Jaunlaicenes muižas muzejs „Malēnieša pasaule“

About the museum

The first idea of creating a museum in Jaunlaicene was voiced in 1976, when the Alūksne Local History Museum organised an expedition and collected a broad range of material. During the National Awakening the parish council set up a history room, and in 1998 the exhibition was moved to “Dravnieki”, the manor lord’s house. In 2001 the parish council decided to create a museum as a department; in 2008 the history rooms were renamed the Jaunlaicene Manor Museum, and in 2009 it was accredited for the first time.

Since 1 July 2022 the museum has been a department of the Alūksne Municipality Museum. The new main exhibition, “Malēnieša pasaule” (The World of the Malēnieši), tells of the origin, borders and language of the Malēnieši land, their worldview and character, and lets visitors play a Malēnieši word game or try “dabūt gaismu maisā” (a local expression). Other themes are the Opekalns parish and church, Jaunlaicene manor and the barons von Wolff family, as well as the way of life and traditions of local people.

During the Livonian period the manor belonged to Marienburg Castle; later it became the cradle of the Livonian branch of the von Wolff family, and until the 1920 land reform it was owned by the barons. The manor park covers about 9 hectares; next to the museum stands the Opekalns church, built higher above sea level than any other church in Latvia.

Highlights

• Main exhibition “Malēnieša pasaule” on the Malēnieši language, character and traditions
• The story of the barons von Wolff and Jaunlaicene manor
• Manor park of about 9 hectares
• The neighbouring Opekalns church, built higher above sea level than any other church in Latvia
• Educational sessions and courtyard exhibitions with activities

Permanent exhibition

• Malēnieša pasaule – Main exhibition on the Malēnieši land, language, worldview and character, and on Jaunlaicene manor and the barons von Wolff family.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Alūksnes novada muzejs

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission during Museum Night, at the Jaunlaicene manor or Malēnieši festivals, at events dedicated to Latvia’s national holidays, and when attending educational events.

Admission to the exhibitions and displays: adults €2; pupils, students and pensioners €1. Free admission also for staff of Latvian museums and ICOM members on presentation of a document.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Through games and activities the museum introduces the cultural-historical heritage of the surroundings; there are educational sessions and courtyard exhibitions with activities.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of Jaunlaicene parish, opposite the bus stop, 60 m from the road “Alūksne – Vidzemes šoseja”; there is a sign to the museum from the highway.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit