Bauskas pils muzejs
Municipal museum on the Bauska castle hill, covering the ruins of the Livonian Order castle and the residence castle of the Duke of Courland, built at the end of the 16th century, with a historic exhibition and a viewing platform.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Bauska Castle stands on a promontory in the town area, where the Mūsa and the Mēmele join the Lielupe, and consists of two parts. The older one is the castle of the Livonian Order, built in the mid-15th century and preserved as ruins; it is the only fortress of the Order built specifically for the use of firearms.
The younger part is the residence castle of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia, the Ketlers, built at the end of the 16th century, with bastions, defensive walls and earthen ramparts. It is the only partially preserved residence of the Ketler dukes of Courland. The museum's research focuses on the castle itself – its architecture, building history, fortification system and the life of the people connected with it.
Highlights
- Ruins of the Livonian Order castle and viewing platform in the tower
- Residence castle of the Duke of Courland with a historic exhibition
- Thematic exhibition “Tērpi un rotas Kurzemes hercogistē (1561–1620)” (Costumes and Jewellery in the Duchy of Courland)
- Digital exhibition “Bauskas pils būvperiodi” (Building Periods of Bauska Castle)
- Open-air military exhibition
Permanent exhibitions
- Bauskas pils vēsturiskā ekspozīcija – Historic exhibition in the residence castle of the Duke of Courland on the building history of the castle and the life of the dukes.
- Tērpi un rotas Kurzemes hercogistē (1561–1620) – Thematic exhibition on the court costumes and jewellery of the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Bauskas pils — militārais nocietinājums – Thematic exhibition on the castle's defence system, complemented by an open-air military exhibition.
- Bauskas pils būvperiodi – Digital exhibition in the castle tower on the construction phases of the castle.
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is suitable for people with restricted mobility; the castle ruins and the castle hill are an uneven visiting route.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
The museum has a baby changing room.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The museum is easily reached by public transport.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Weddings / ceremonies
Room hire and programmes for newlyweds (“A Visit to Duchess Anna”, “A Romantic Moment in the Tower of Bauska Castle”).
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Offers thematic programmes for pupils and families, for example the Renaissance dance lesson “Dejas stunda galmā” (A Dance Lesson at Court), the programme “Tērpu kultūra Kurzemes hercogistē” (Costume Culture in the Duchy of Courland), with fitting of Renaissance costumes, and “Renesanses spēles” (Renaissance Games). Since summer 2025, Duke Gotthard Ketler can be seen on the castle grounds in augmented reality via the mobile app “BAUSKA AR”. |