Dispute over Šilutė’s Yellow Bridge: heritage experts demand original grey paint

A century-old steel bridge in Šilutė, known locally as the Yellow Bridge, has become the centre of a dispute between residents and heritage specialists over its colour, as the structure undergoes restoration, LRT reports.

The bridge, recognised as a cultural heritage site, was dismantled months ago for repairs and is expected to be reinstalled by autumn. While heritage conservationists insist it must be repainted its original grey—the colour it bore for 61 years—locals and municipal leaders are pushing to restore its familiar yellow hue, which has defined the landmark for the past three decades.

“We were born in Šilutė, we grew up here—we don’t want any other colour. Only yellow,” one resident told LRT. Another argued that grey reflected the town’s gloomy mood, while yellow brought warmth: “Maybe historically it was grey, but life is grey enough today. Let there at least be a little sun there.”

Šilutė District Municipality backs the yellow option, citing both community attachment and tourism appeal. “For 61 years it was grey, 20 years orange, and the last 30 years yellow. The municipality supports keeping it yellow, and the community does too,” said Andrius Jurkus, director of the municipality’s administration. Lina Vaičekauskienė, head of Šilutė’s tourism centre, added that the yellow bridge had become a recognisable symbol for visitors heading to nearby Rusnė, boosting local identity.

Heritage experts counter that authenticity extends beyond materials to include historical appearance. “A heritage object’s authenticity isn’t just about the materials or structure—it’s also the colour scheme and visual harmony with its surroundings,” said Ingrida Gečienė, chief specialist at Lithuania’s Cultural Heritage Department. She noted that bridges were traditionally understated, not brightly coloured, and that yellow was uncommon in Lithuania Minor’s architectural tradition.

The Cultural Heritage Department has proposed submitting the dispute to an expert evaluation board, though this would delay the project. Vytenis Radžiūnas of Via Lietuva, the firm handling the restoration, stated the company would implement whichever colour is agreed upon by the community, municipality, and heritage authorities.

Repairs are scheduled for completion by October. If no compromise is reached, protests have been threatened by residents determined to keep the bridge yellow.