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On Saturday and Sunday, February 7 and 8, Jelgava will host the 27th International Ice Sculpture Festival. The theme of this year’s festival is “The Power of Illusion”. Alongside the festival, visitors are invited to explore Jelgava’s tourism attractions, many of which will operate with extended opening hours during the event. Enjoy the sculptures, the festival atmosphere, and discover Jelgava!
Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower
The exhibition halls, viewing platform, history exhibitions, and the Tourism Information Centre (Akadēmijas Street 1) will be open on February 7 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on February 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jelgava Old Town House (Vecpilsētas Street 14)
Open on February 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On February 8 at 3 p.m., a guided tour will take place at the Jelgava Old Town House. Accompanied by guide Inna Altuhova, visitors will explore the rooms, corridors, and attic, learn about the building’s history and restoration process, and view the restored interior and modern exhibition.
Duration: approximately one hour.
The guided tour is available without additional charge, with the purchase of an entrance ticket:
- Adults – €4
- Family ticket – €6
- School students, students, and seniors – €1.50
Ģederts Elias Jelgava History and Art Museum (Akadēmijas Street 10). Open on Saturday, February 7, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ādolfs Alunāns Memorial Museum (Filozofu Street 3) will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the days of the festival, February 7 and 8.
Life Wisdom and Crafts Yard (Dzīvesziņas un arodu seta, Vecpilsētas Street 2)
On Saturday, February 7, at 2 p.m., an open guided tour will take place. Visitors will be introduced to a unique late 18th–early 19th century wooden family house, featuring a historic interior, wall decorations, and a mantel chimney—the only restored mantel chimney known in Jelgava.
As the site also hosts the “Austra’s Patterns” weaving workshop, visitors will be able to see demonstrations of traditional weaving, including Zemgale patterned skirts, and view nearly 20 different looms in one place.
Duration: approximately one hour.
The guided tour is available without additional charge with the purchase of an entrance ticket:
- Adults – €5
- Family ticket – €10
- School students, students, and seniors – €2
No prior registration is required.
Jelgava Palace (Lielā Street 2)
The palace and its museum will be open on February 7 and 8 from from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the festival, individual guided tours of the largest Baroque palace in the Baltic States will be available at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on both days. Advance booking is required for tourist groups by calling +371 63005617.
Visitors to Jelgava Palace can also explore the Rundāle Palace Museum exhibition “The Burial Vaults of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia.” The vaults will be open on February 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with last admission no later than 10 minutes before closing time.
Latvian Railway History Museum – Jelgava Exhibition (Stacijas Street 3). Open on Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, closed on February 8.
“Anru Motors” Historic Vehicle Collection (Garozas Street 15A). Open on February 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information about Jelgava’s tourism attractions is available at https://visit.jelgava.lv/ or by contacting the Jelgava Regional Tourism Centre at tic@tornis.jelgava.lv or by phone +371 63005447.
On February 7 and 8, Jelgava invites visitors to embrace the winter atmosphere and experience the 27th International Ice Sculpture Festival. Internationally recognised sculptors will present their interpretation of “Power of Illusion,” encouraging visitors to look beyond the visible and experience moments where reality blends with illusion. The festival will feature a rich entertainment programme, including ice sculpture duels, science shows, illusionist performances, ice games and a slide, children’s interactive performances, and concerts by well-known Latvian musicians.