The original theatre structure, which has changed over time, dates back to the 19th century. The building was designed by Kaunas Governorate engineer architect J. Golinevičius. It was a restrained, symmetrical, neo-Renaissance style, two-story building with a quadrangular 500-seat hall. It was equipped with special lodges for the governor of Kaunas and the commandant of the fortress. The theatre opened its doors to visitors for the first time in 1892.
After declaring independence, professional Lithuanian theatre was established here. 1922-1925 the government allocated funds for the reconstruction of the theatre, which was entrusted to the architects M. Songaila and V. Dubeneckis, assisted by the constructor P. Morkūnas. The modernized exterior of the building acquired a neo-baroque expression. The audience hall was enlarged, given a horseshoe shape, the third row of balconies and a central box were installed, and a place was made for the orchestra. During this reconstruction, special attention was paid to the acoustics. In the interior of the hall, V.Dubeneckis managed to unite two interior trends - not only to interpret the baroque in a new way but also to represent the attributes of the national culture: the architect stylized the motifs of tulips, lilies and the Sun in the art deco manner popular at the time. The new palace acquired the status of the State Theatre.
The ensemble characteristic of baroque architecture is also not avoided on the outside. The reconstructed building is composed of many various components. The building was designed considering its connection with the environment, a wide path leads from Laisvė avenue, inviting the passers-by of the boulevard to come inside.1929-1930 another reconstruction of the theatre was carried out, on which the architect V. Landsbergis-Žemkalnis worked. The domestic conditions of the theatre were improved: auxiliary side enclosures were built, and a fireproof iron curtain and automatic water release were installed. This was the last major reconstruction that fundamentally changed the face of the building. 1980-1984 the theatre was renovated again: underground dressing rooms were installed; the decoration of public spaces was changed.
