Rotko muzejs

About the museum

The Rotko muzejs is housed in the historic artillery arsenal building of the Daugavpils Fortress, built in 1833 and a state-protected architectural monument. Until the mid-20th century the arsenal served its original purpose; later it housed a cadets' canteen and barracks, and after the military school left, the building was unused for many years.

The idea for a centre arose in 2002, and in 2003 the 100th birthday of Mark Rotko was widely celebrated in Daugavpils. The artist's children, Keita Rotko Prizela and Kristofers Rotko, agreed to lend their father's original works and became co-founders of the centre. The arsenal was reconstructed from 2011 to 2012, and the Daugavpils Marka Rotko mākslas centrs opened its doors on 24 April 2013. The centre later gained museum status and became the Rotko Museum.

The museum has more than 2,500 square metres of exhibition space. It includes a gallery of original Rotko works, the multimedia room Klusuma telpa (Room of Silence) and a restored biographical exhibition, as well as changing exhibitions of contemporary art. The museum hosts international artists' symposiums, creative workshops and educational programmes; there are also residencies, a café and a souvenir shop. In 2022 the Martinsona māja (Martinsons House), a new art and culture space, was set up next door.

Highlights

• Gallery of original Mark Rotko works
• Klusuma telpa – multimedia room with Rotko's classical-period paintings
• Restored biographical exhibition with animated family archive photographs
• Open storage of contemporary ceramics in the bastion
• Tours of the Daugavpils Fortress

Permanent exhibitions

• Rotko oriģinālu galerija – The gallery shows original works by Mark Rotko, lent to the museum by the artist's family.
• Klusuma telpa – A multimedia room with three large screens, on which Rotko's classical-period paintings are shown one at a time.
• Atjaunotā biogrāfiskā ekspozīcija – The exhibition follows Rotko's life from his childhood in Daugavpils to the consecration of the Rotko kapela (Rothko Chapel) in Houston, and also shows animated family archive photographs.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Daugavpils valstspilsētas pašvaldības iestāde Rotko muzejs

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Admission to the relevant exhibition hall is free during the opening of an exhibition

Admission to the Rotko Museum for holders of the “Goda ģimene” (Honorary Family) card is €6, for children €3. At changing exhibitions, on the last Sunday before an exhibition change, admission is €6; for pupils, students and pensioners €3. On public holidays admission to all exhibitions is €8, for discount groups €4. A service fee applies to e-tickets sold through ticket services; tickets at the museum cash desk are available without a surcharge. Free admission also applies to, for example, residents of children's homes, employees of Latvian museums and members of ICOM and ICOMOS.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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 accessible to people with mobility impairments: a lift connects both exhibition floors, there is a specially equipped toilet, and the exhibitions can be viewed from a wheelchair. There is a room for changing babies.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The biographical exhibition has an interactive game in which visitors can draw and experiment with the layering of Rotko's works. The museum runs art education programmes for children and young people; there is a room for changing babies.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Arsenal café, with a terrace facing the Nikolaja vārti (Nicholas Gate), operates in the fortress. The museum has a souvenir shop and a reading room (visits must be booked in advance). The museum also has 10 residence rooms for guests.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum has seminar and conference rooms.

Plan your visit