Jelgavas pils muzejs
Museum in Jelgava Palace – the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics, built to a design by Bartolomeo Rastrelli and today the main building of the Latvijas Biozinātņu un tehnoloģiju universitāte (LBTU); the exhibition tells the story of the Livonian Order castle, the construction of the palace and its research.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Jelgava Palace was the residence of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia and is the largest Baroque-style palace in the Baltic states, the work of the renowned architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. It was built in two stages – 1738–1740 and 1762–1772 – on the site of a 14th-century castle of the Livonian Order. The palace was burned several times, most severely in July 1944 during the Second World War; restoration began in 1956.
Today the palace houses the Latvijas Biozinātņu un tehnoloģiju universitāte (formerly Latvijas Lauksaimniecības universitāte). The museum has operated in the palace since 1968; its exhibition reflects the history of the Livonian Order castle, the construction of Jelgava Palace and the events of the palace's research and maintenance.
Highlights
- Largest Baroque palace in the Baltics (architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli)
- Exhibition on the Livonian Order castle and the construction of the palace
- Guided tour of the palace interiors
- The crypt of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia is accessible
Permanent exhibition
- Jelgavas pils muzeja ekspozīcija – Exhibition on the history of the Livonian Order castle, the course of construction of Jelgava Palace and interesting facts about the palace's research and upkeep.
- Founded
- 1968
- Operated by
- Latvijas Biozinātņu un tehnoloģiju universitāte
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1pupils and students (in the summer season) |
| Children & teens | €1Pupils. |
| Students & apprentices | €1 |
| Hot chocolate in the duke's residence (for groups of 20 people or more) | €5Price per person; booking by telephone on +371 6300 5617. |
The guided tour costs €3 for adults and €1 for pupils. Payment for services at the museum is possible by payment card only. Group tours must be booked in advance.
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 site is suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Offers for families with children; at Christmas a gingerbread decorating workshop is held.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The palace is located on an island on the bank of the Lielupe; entrance through the palace's north and south gates.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Souvenirs are available on the palace site.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Rooms are hired out in the palace; a wedding offer, photo sessions and a Christmas ball are available.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guided tour covers the construction, architecture and interiors of the palace, the period of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia and the role of the palace today. Group tours must be booked in advance by telephone on +371 6300 5617. Next to the palace are the crypt of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia (exhibition of the Rundāles pils muzejs), which requires a separate ticket. |