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Culture and art lovers are invited to visit various exhibitions in and around Tukums. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to study the works of local and international artists and to discover the cultural heritage of Tukums municipality.

IN TUKUMS

At Tukums Art Museum

Art Museum exhibition “3-in-1 workshop” (3 vienā darbnīcā) presents the creative link of three painters from Tukums — Kārlis Neilis, Ansis Artums and Alberts Pauliņš — with the town and its inspiring environment. Even though each of the artists has developed their unique view and language of colours, they are united by a shared workshop space which has become a place of creative continuity. From Neilis to Artums and — in modern day — Pauliņš, this workshop preserves the story of artistic lineage. The exhibition highlights Tukums as an important source of inspiration and a hub of creative thought in Latvian art. The exhibition will be open to visitors until 4 October.

Exhibition “Cities and Towns. Big and Small” (Pilsētas. Lielas un mazas): from 7 March, discover urban environment as the place where memories, culture and artists’ personal viewpoints come together. The town becomes an inspiration in paintings and drawings — its architecture, lines, lights and shadows form multi-layered compositions. The exhibition features works by distinguished Latvian artists from the collections of Tukums Museum, revealing the aesthetics and perspectives on the townscape of various eras. It is an opportunity to see familiar places and town stories which might remain unnoticed in the rush of the everyday life. The exhibition will be open to visitors until 19 July.

Permanent display “Āriņš’ Room” (Āriņa istaba) is a dedication to the artist Leonīds Āriņš (1907–1991), who was a passionate dreamer, graphic artist and painter, as well as the founder of Tukums Art Museum. He dedicated a great part of his life and love to the museum, but his true passion was painting. Āriņš developed his signature painting style through continuous experimentation, grappling with artistic challenges and studying the works of French painters. One of the central motifs in his painting is furrows, which initially represents nature but later becomes a symbol of a cultivated field, and thus of the relationship between the sun and the earth. Art historian Gundega Cēbere emphasizes that this theme reflects Āriņš’ philosophy of life and art, in which nature and life are intertwined.

Admission to Tukums Art Museum: EUR 1.50 adults; EUR 1 senior citizens and people with disabilities; free entry to preschoolers. Address: Tukums Art Museum, 7 Harmonijas Street, Tukums. More information: www.tukumamuzejs.lv/makslas-muzejs

Tukums Castle Tower

Tukums Town History Museum “Castle Tower” hosts the exhibition “In Tukums and Away. The Story of Blumenfelds Family”. (Tukumā un tālumā. Blumenfeldu ģimenes stāsts) It shows the traditions and daily life of Latvia’s Jewish community in 19th-century Tukums, highlighting the Blumenfelds family, who once lived in Tukums before emigrating to the Kherson region of Ukraine and later to America. This is a story about roots, leaving home and maintaining identity — it is a message about history and lines of human destinies. The exhibition will be open to visitors until 12 July.

The interactive display “Letters to posterity” (Vēstules nākamībai) reveals unique and personal historical evidence — letters written on birch bark that remain as silent witnesses to life and the hardships of exile in Siberia. They reflect hopes, suffering and perseverance of the deportees, offering an opportunity to today’s audiences to experience the events of those times and to understand the importance of collective historic memory. The display invites not only to learn about the past, but also to ponder upon the future while learning lessons from the past.

The permanent display “Our Own Stories” (Savējo stāsti, ne svešo) offer a perspective on events of the 20th century history in Tukums, linking it within the context of Latvia, Baltic States and Europe. The display is set up in six thematic sections, each reflecting a specific stage in history and highlighted with an object that features a special story. Visitors can watch the animated film “Story of Tukums” (Tukuma stāsts) created by a child to show some of the hardest pages in the history of Latvia. This film presents a unique perspective allowing each generation to view these events through the prism of their own experience and memories. To create the display, a vast research of Tukums’ history was carried out, involving representatives from various social and ethnic groups who shared their memories and donated important items to the museum.

Museum admission: EUR 1.50 adults; EUR 1 senior citizens and people with disabilities; free entry to preschoolers. Address: Brīvības Square 19a, Tukums. More information: www.tukumamuzejs.lv/pils-tornis

Tukums Weavers’ Workshop

A permanent display “From Wool to Fabric” (No vilnas līdz audumam) is set up at the Weavers’ Workshop offering visitors a chance to learn about the weaving process using vertical loom and traditional horizontal, mechanical and semi-automatic Viļumsons loom. Experienced weavers, including masters of applied folk art, demonstrate weaving technologies and offer advice. Visitors can take part in the weaving process, by learning some simple techniques. The display features detailed information about the process of creating fabric — from selection of materials and colours, to removing fabric from loom and post-processing. This display is a fantastic opportunity to learn about weaving traditions and delve deeper into its nuances, as well as to try your hand in weaving on a loom.

Each month, a new applied arts exhibition is set up at the exhibition hall of the workshop. Authors of the works are craftspeople and artisans from across Latvia.

Workshop admission: EUR 1.50 adults; EUR 1 senior citizens and people with disabilities; free entry to preschoolers. Address: Tidaholmas Street 3, Tukums. More information: https://www.tukumamuzejs.lv/lv/audeju-darbnica

Durbe Manor

Exhibition “Ansis Artums. The Sentiment of Tukums” (Tukuma sajūta) will be open to visitors from 24 April and it is dedicated to one of the most notable landscape artists of Tukums. Paintings by Ansis Artums reveal a special bond with Tukums and the surrounding nature which has grown into the central motif of his creative world. His works depict the atmosphere, lights and serenity of a landscape by creating a deeply personal perspective of a place. The exhibition allows feeling Tukums through the lens and emotional experience of the artist. The exhibition will be open to visitors until 28 June.

90th anniversary celebration exhibition “Continuation” (Turpinājums) of Tukums Museum offers visitors to peruse works from its collection in new and unusual combinations — through painting, sculpture and ceramics. The final result creates atmospheric scenes unveiling Latvian mentality, folk wisdom and daily rhythm. It emphasises the ever-changing character of Tukums Museum over 90 years and demonstrates how collection values can be interpreted in ever fresher and more surprising ways. The exhibition will be open to visitors until 30 August.

The castle also has several permanent exhibitions. Among them is the history exhibition “At Crossroads” (Krustcelēs) depicting the fates and choices of people during historically challenging times — from disturbances of 1905 to the Latvian Independence War and the eve of World War II. The exhibition contrasts the everyday rhythm of peacetime with the upheavals of major historical events, offering a unique perspective on the crossroads of the past. It features various artefacts of the period, including paintings by the Swedish-born Latvian artist Toivo Gustaf Magnus Löfving and the landscape painter Ansis Artums, as well as items from the Kuznetsov factory donated by visitors. Special attention is given to events taking place in 1919 in Tukums, when the 1st Military Hospital of the Baltische Landeswehr (Baltic Territorial Army) was stationed at Durbe Manor. The exhibition traces the origins and structure of Landeswehr and tells the romantic story of head nurse Elisabeth Hirschheydt and the physician Alfred Trost, whose fates became intertwined in the twists and turns of history.

“Historic interior of Durbe Manor” is an exhibition revealing the Baltic German cultural heritage and the manor life at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. The historic interior of the master quarters has been restored, allowing visitors to experience the authentic atmosphere of the era. The exhibition features functional, ceremonial, and private spaces, as well as the manor kitchen, offering a glimpse into the daily life and routines of the manor’s residents. Curtains, chandeliers, and other interior elements pertaining to the period create a special atmosphere, further enhancing the historical ambiance and allowing visitors to imagine what life was like in these rooms more than a century ago.

Admission to the castle with a museum ticket: EUR 5 for adults and EUR 3 for schoolchildren, students, seniors, and people with disabilities; family ticket EUR 7–9. Information and group reservations: 26305946, 25721502 durbespils@tukumamuzejs.lv. Address: 7 M. Parka Street, Tukums. More information: www.tukumamuzejs.lv/durbes-pils

Art Gallery "Durvis"

The gallery "Durvis" ("Door") hosts new exhibitions every month or two, introducing visitors to the works of local and Latvian artists and and representations of artistic expressions. These include exhibitions of paintings and applied art, and the works on display can often be purchased after the exhibition ends.

Free admission to the gallery. Address: 21 Brīvības Square, Tukums. More information: https://www.tukumamuzejs.lv/lv/makslas-galerija-durvis

CASTLES AND MANORS IN AND AROUND TUKUMS

Jaunmokas Manor

At Jaunmokas Manor, visitors can peruse the permanent exhibition — Interior design and history of Art Nouveau — inviting to explore the interior design of the manor halls: The White Hall, the Red Hall, the Tea Salon, the Gentlemen’s Study, the Ladies' Lounge, and the George Armitstead Room. The White Hall has large windows and a door to the veranda, a white fireplace and a piano — all creating a romantic feel — perfect for the first waltz of newlyweds. The Red Hall served as the dining hall for the original owners of the manor. In the evenings, the whole family would gather around the massive wooden table, and meals from the kitchen, located on the basement level, were delivered via a special elevator. The Tea Salon features calm pastels creating the necessary sensation for an unhurried relaxation and sorting out one’s thoughts. Thanks to the dark tones of the wallpaper and fabric patterns, the Gentlemen’s Study exudes the estate owner’s seriousness in his work and firmness in his decisions. The Ladies’ Lounge is a truly romantic space for feminine conversations. The George Armitstead Room is dedicated to the memory of George Armitstead (1847–1912), the builder of the manor, and introduces visitors to the life and work of one of Riga’s most distinguished families.

The Forest Museum at Jaunmokas Manor invites you to experience the magic of the forest and to explore various interactive exhibits that showcase the wildlife of Latvia’s forests — tree species, animals, and natural processes. The exhibition offers visitors the chance to view stuffed taxidermy animals, listen to the calls of animals and birds, touch fur samples, and identify animal tracks; learn about the hatching process of bird chicks; and understand the significance of the hunting process.

At the museum’s permanent exhibition “Forest Management” (Meža apsaimniekošana), you can learn about forest management activities in the 20th century, including reforestation, forest maintenance, logging, forest management, and forestry equipment. The exhibition features a collection of tools and photo materials from the Jaunmokas Manor Museum, Kazdanga Manor (Bojas Forest Museum), the archives of AS “Latvijas valsts meži” and private individuals, as well as publications on the history of forestry and photographs by Andris Eglītis.

Those, who are interested in the hunting theme, will be keen to see the exhibition in the manor tower “No Fluff, No Feathers” (Ne pūkas, ne spalvas). It introduces hunting-related objects dating back to the first half of the 20th century. A collection of firearms and images of the most popular hunting dogs of the time can be viewed on the first landing of the castle tower; whereas on the next landing, hunting scenes in old photographs adorn the walls.

Meanwhile, the Manor Tower Hall welcomes visitors to the exhibition “Breath” (Elpa) featuring paintings by Ilze Pauliņa from Tukums until 31 May. The exhibition reveals the artist’s inner world and experiences. The author comments her work: “My works reflect my inner experiences, which are unique and inimitable; through visual means, I have sought to convey the idea that all my inspiration comes from God, that it can be felt and experienced through nature, the environment in which I live, and also through dreams. Since breath is an invisible manifestation of life — something we don’t even think about, yet without which life cannot exist — I hope that visitors to the exhibition can see and feel it.” This exhibition was made possible with support from the Creative Scholarship Competition organised by Tukums Local Government.

Admission fee to view the exhibitions and displays at Jaunmokas Manor: EUR 5 for adults; EUR 3 EUR for students, people with disabilities, and senior citizens; holders of the Latvian Family Card “3+ Family Card,” LT (Šeimos kortelė), or EST (Perekaart) family cards will receive a 20 % discount off the admission fee. Address: Jaunmokas Manor, Jaunmokas, Tume rural municipality, Tukums municipality. More information: www.jaunmokupils.lv

Jaunpils Castle

Visitors can learn about the history of Jaunpils by visiting the permanent exhibition of Jaunpils Museum, which is set up in the Castle. It explores the history of Jaunpils’ larger and smaller manors and also features scale models of castles of the Livonian Order in Jaunpils and Dobele. At the exhibition, you can discover the family tree of von der Recke, peruse archaeological finds, coin collections and hunting accessories. Visitors can also descend down the narrow staircase to the Knights’ Cellar to experience a historic ambience and explore knights’ attire, as well as learn about the history of knighthood in Latvia. There are also some historic objects related to Jaunpils Castle, including two of the three historic castle canons.

The exhibitions at the palace can be visited with a museum ticket: EUR 5 for adults, EUR 3.50 for students and senior citizens (with valid ID). Address: Jaunpils Castle, Jaunpils, Jaunpils rural municipality, Tukums municipality. More information: www.jaunpilspils.lv

ELSEWHERE IN TUKUMS MUNICIPALITY

Džūkste Fairy-tale Museum

The exhibition “Strength Through the Stomach” (Spēks caur vēderu) based on the fairy-tale “The Big Eater” (Lielēdējs), which tells the story of a strong and resourceful young man from Džūkste, who used his strength not only to do his own work but also to help others, is on display at the museum until 15 August. The exhibition includes bowls and wooden spoons of various sizes from the Tukums Museum collection and private collections, which were used in the Tukums region during the 20th century. One of the bowls is particularly large — it could suit even the Big Eater! Two bread bowls made back in the day at the pottery workshop of Jānis Krievs are also on display. The exhibition is complemented by colourful woven blankets created by Līga Griķe, a local of Džūkste and a member of the “Durbe” Applied Folk Arts Studio.

The museum also features 3 permanent exhibitions:

Open-air exhibition “In the Footsteps of Father of Fairy-tales” (Pa pasaku tēva pēdām) invites the youngest visitors to learn about the world of Latvian fairy-tales by following in the footsteps inspired by “Father of Fairy-tales” Anss Lerhis-Puškaitis. In this exhibition, children can experience interactive and educational surprises that take them on an exciting fairy-tale journey through games and activities. Each corner reveals a new story and invites to participate by exploring fairy-tale characters and the world created around them.

Indoors, the exhibition “Anss Lerhis–Puškaitis and Fairy-tales” (Anss Lerhis–Puškaitis un pasakas) is the life’s story of the teacher, writer, folklorist, and public figure Anss Lerhis-Puškaitis (1859-1903). At the former Lancenieki School, where folklorist Anss Lerhis-Puškaitis lived and worked, he used legends and fairy tales in his work to boost children’s imagination and thinking, and to build a system of Latvian values. The exhibition, which is set up in the folklorist’s former flat — study and lounge, gives the visitors a chance to explore his achievements in collecting and publishing Latvian folk tales and legends. On display is an ink bottle, pipe head and other original objects that once belonged to Puškaitis.

The exhibition “Visiting Puškaitis” (Ciemos pie Puškaiša) is a dedication to Anss Lerhis-Puškaitis and his students, highlighting his invaluable contribution to the cultural history of Latvia. The exhibition introduces with outstanding folklorists, historians and writers born in Džūkste whose first teacher was A. Lerhis-Puškaitis. Visitors have an opportunity to explore the interior design of a reception room from the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, where the Puškaitis family entertained guests, including students. The exhibition unveils the creative and academic achievements of these individuals who have enriched Latvian cultural heritage.

Admission with a museum ticket: EUR 1.50 for adults and EUR 1 for schoolchildren, students, seniors, and people with disabilities; family ticket EUR 3–4. Free admission to preschoolers. Address: Džūkste Fairy-tale Museum, “Lanciņu skola”, Lancenieki, Džūkste rural municipality, Tukums municipality. More information: www.tukumamuzejs.lv/dzukstes-pasaku-muzejs

Pastariņš Museum in Dzirciems

The museum features three permanent exhibitions. One of them — “Pastariņš at Home, at School, and in Life” — is an interactive exhibition dedicated to the life and work of writer Ernests Birznieks-Upīts (1871–1960), as well as to the history of the Pastariņš Museum. Here, visitors can interactively follow the writer’s life’s story and his literary legacy, as well as discover the history of Birznieki family from 1871 to 2017. You can also inspect items that once belonged to the writer, and through the game “Pastariņš’ Adventures,” you can explore “Bisnieki” homestead throughout the different seasons and farm work from the childhood years of writer E. Birznieks-Upīts.

The aim of the open-air exhibit “Homestead of the Northern Kurzeme – the world of Pastariņš” (Ziemeļkurzemes lauku sēta – Pastariņa pasaule) is to interactively reflect, through the prism of the writer’s works, as seen and experienced from the child’s perspective, the home and school life and to waken curiosity in the depiction of the writer’s life events in literary works. An outdoor orienteering map will guide the visitors on a learning journey to discover nine different locations on the farm and read excerpts from the writer Ernests Birznieks-Upīts’ trilogy “Pastariņš’ Diary”.

Meanwhile, the exhibition “The Granary: a Reflection of Family’s Prosperity” set up in the granary, offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the Birznieki family and allows them to experience the main traditional activities on a rural homestead. Here, too, the exhibition’s content is supplemented with excerpts from E. Birznieks-Upīts’ trilogy “Pastariņš’ Diary” resonating with the objects on display, imaginatively and realistically illustrating the material world that was familiar and understandable to Pastariņš, but which today has become distant and unfamiliar to most children and adults. The objects illustrate the daily homesteading life in Northern Kurzeme: the daily activities of women and men, food storage, agricultural implements, and tools. Many of them were once used in “Bisnieki”.

Admission to “Pastariņš Museum”: EUR 1.50 for adults and EUR 1 for schoolchildren, students, seniors, and people with disabilities; family ticket EUR 3–4. Free admission to preschoolers. Address: “Bisnieki”, Dzirciems, Zentene rural municipality, Tukums municipality. More information: www.tukumamuzejs.lv/pastarina-muzejs

Kandava Local History Museum

The museum hosts several permanent exhibitions: “By Horse to Kandava Fair” (Ar zirgu uz Kandavas tirgu), “Language — God-given. Place names — imagined” (Valodiņa – Dieva dota. Vietu vārdi – izdomāti), as well as temporary exhibitions. Exhibition “100 treasures of the museum” (100 muzeja dārgumi) is fascinating as it is set up in the former bank safe-box, which required three different keys to open it, each kept by a different employee.

Admission to the museum: EUR 2 adults, EUR 1 school pupils, students and senior citizens. Address: 11 Talsi Street, Kandava, Tukums municipality. More information: https://kandava.lv/kulturas_iestades

Engure Community Centre "Saieta nams"

Exhibition “Moments of Style” (Stila mirkļi) at the Engure Community Centre introduces the private collection of dresses and accessories of Gunta Liepiņa. The collection created over the course of more than 25 years showcases the diversity of styles from different eras, featuring velvet, silk, crimplene, and satin. Every outfit tells its own story about fashion, taste, and the spirit of the times. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the exciting and multifaceted world of fashion.

The Community Centre also hosts a permanent exhibition about the history of Engure and, of course, Engure Marine School, because it is precisely in the building of the former school where the Engure Community Centre is now situated.

Free admission to the Community Centre during working hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00-17:00, Friday 9:00-15:00, Saturday-Sunday — closed. Address: Jūras Street 114, Engure, Engure rural municipality, Tukums municipality.

Lapmežciems Museum

At the permanent exhibitions of Lapmežciems Museum, visitors can explore a vast collection of exhibits presenting the local area history. Here you can view artefacts found during archaeological digs, historical documents, maps, and drawings, as well as fishing and household items dating back to 19th and 20th-century. The museum exhibition also includes photographs from various periods, including some from private albums. The visitors can interactively learn about historical place names of the local area and discover the richness of its natural environment. Additionally, visitors to the museum can gain an insight into the life of Imants Ziedonis, an outstanding Latvian poet born in Ragaciems.

Admission to the museum: donations. The museum is open all year round: Monday–Friday from 10:00 to 16:00; to visit on Saturdays or Sundays, please call in advance at 63163240 or 27220869. Address: Liepu Street 4, Lapmežciems, Lapmežciems rural municipality, Tukums municipality.

Former Apšuciems School

A hub of fishing and maritime cultural heritage, which is found in the former Apšuciems School – now, Apšuciems Library – right by the seaside, invites visitors to explore the display of historic objects. It includes various objects that reflect the daily lives of forefathers, fishing and links to the sea. The exhibition tells about traditional fishing methods, maritime cultural heritage, and ancient craft skills that are intrinsically linked to this coastal region. Visitors can explore life by the sea through various historical objects and learn about this unique cultural and historical heritage.

The visit must be arranged in advance by calling 26132761. Address: Apšuciems School, Apšuciems, Engure rural municipality, Tukums municipality.

See you at the exhibitions in the area of Tukums!