Jaņa Rozentāla Saldus vēstures un mākslas muzejs

About the museum

The Saldus vēstures un mākslas muzejs was established in 1947, when the Council of Ministers of the Latvian SSR approved its founding, and it opened its doors to visitors on 1 May 1949. From 1958 the museum was a branch of the Kuldīga Museum, and since 1967 it has operated independently. It is located in the historic centre of Saldus, which is a state-protected urban planning monument. The museum's task is to promote interest in the painter Jānis Rozentāls and the cultural heritage of Saldus municipality, especially through work with children and young people.

The museum complex consists of several buildings: the collection storage, art exhibition halls, the history exhibition building and administrative rooms. One of the buildings is the residential house with a studio, designed by Jānis Rozentāls, whose construction began in 1899 (“Rozentāla Sapņu tornis” – Rozentāls' Dream Tower). The painter lived there only in 1901–1902, before moving to Riga. This is the only place in Latvia where Rozentāls' early original works are exhibited, as well as some family items and personal objects.

At the end of 2025 the collection held more than 50,000 items. The museum organises exhibitions, concerts, educational lessons and tours.

Highlights

• Early original works by Jānis Rozentāls in the studio
• The painter's residence and studio, known as “Rozentāla Sapņu tornis” (Rozentāls' Dream Tower)
• History exhibition “Saldus 1253–1940”
• Art exhibition hall
• Accessibility features for blind and partially sighted visitors

Permanent exhibitions

• Saldus 1253–1940 – History exhibition on the history of the town of Saldus from 1253 to 1940.
• Jaņa Rozentāla agrīnie darbi – Original works by the painter, shown on the first floor of the workshop he designed himself.

Founded

1947

Operated by

Saldus novada pašvaldība

Admission & discounts

Full information on discounts and free admission is published by the museum on its website.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Two of the four main buildings are accessible to people with mobility impairments. The steps have anti-slip and contrasting marking strips; the Rozentāls film has an audio version, and there is a 3D tactile relief “Elijas Rozentāles portrets” (Portrait of Elija Rozentāle) with Braille. Exhibition descriptions are also available in Russian, English and German.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers lessons for families with children, pupils and newlyweds.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The rooms are suitable for chamber concerts, conferences, seminars, film screenings and sales of exhibition works.

Plan your visit