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On May 17, museums across Latvia will take part in the European museum international event “Museum Night” for the 21st time. This year’s theme is “Our Stories of Value,” and museums and cultural sites in Jelgava are preparing to showcase the treasures in their collections. Admission to all events is free.

Ģederts Eliass Jelgava History and Art Museum will be open to visitors from 6 PM to 11 PM and, in honor of the 250th anniversary of “Academia Petrina”, will dedicate the program to the history of Latvian education. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view special museum exhibits that have not been available to the public until now, participate in an orienteering game and a quiz. While exploring fine arts, everyone will have the opportunity to discover the work of the renowned artist Ģederts Eliass, create their own work of art, as well as participate in a linocut master class organized by the Jelgava Art School. The event will be complemented by musical and artistic performances.

The Ādolfs Alunāns Memorial Museum will also be open to visitors from 6 PM to 11 PM. “Our value stories are related to theatre, so with creative activities we will encourage children and adults to find out what everyday theater life is like from the perspective of spectators and actors,” says museum director Elīna Skutele, adding that there will be an opportunity to participate in riddles related to theater, test your speaking skills, and try out the role of a wardrobe and makeup artist. At 9 PM and 11 PM, a musical greeting – couplets by the Father of Latvian Theatre – will be performed from the rooftop balcony of the Alunāns House. More information is available at: www.jvmm.lv.

The Jelgava Holy Trinity Church tower at 6 PM to 10 PM will offer visitors explore the tower’s exhibitions and learn about history through different senses during the Museum Night – to see the invisible, hear the inaudible, and feel the lost Jelgava.

For the first time, Vecpilsētas House (Old Town House, at Vecpilsētas street 14) will also participate in the Museum Night during this time – visitors will be welcome from 6 PM to 10 PM. Along with the opportunity to learn facts about Jelgava’s wooden architecture, the Old Town House, its history and renovation, the event will also provide an opportunity to learn one of our ancestors’ crafts – “ķistu” weaving. More about the event – ​​at www.visit.jelgava.lv .

With the program “Jelgava Castle – Our Value Through the Centuries” from 7 PM to 11 PM, visitors will also be able to visit Jelgava Castle. Visitors will be able to enjoy musical performances and access several areas: the Great Hall foyer, Fundamental Library reading room, and the palace museum. There will also be a creative workshop for children focused on palace architecture and other fun activities for the youngest visitors. It should be noted that the crypt of the Dukes of Courland will be closed on the Museum Night. More info: www.lbtu.lv

On Museum Night, the “Anru motors” historical vehicle collection at Garozas Street 15A will also traditionally open its doors to visitors. Accompanied by the owner of the collection, you will be able to view the historical vehicles and discover the story behind each one.

The Museum Night tradition began in 1999 in France, with the aim to introduce museums to people who may not visit them regularly. On this special evening, museums all across Latvia will open their doors and offer unique cultural experiences.