Liepājas muzejs

About the museum

The Liepājas muzejs is one of the largest museums in Kurzeme. The city museum opened on 30 November 1924 in its first location on Jāņa Čakstes laukums, and in 1935 it moved to its present building on Kūrmājas prospekts. The building was constructed in 1900–1901 based on sketches by the Berlin architect Ernst von Ihne, and the construction work was supervised by the architect Pauls Makss Berči.

The collection comprises more than 100,000 items, of which around 1,500 are on display in the permanent exhibitions. They tell of the ancient history of the Liepāja area, medieval Liepāja, the 19th century, the six months of the Provisional Government of Latvia in Liepāja, and the life and work of the people of southern Kurzeme. A separate exhibition is devoted to the woodcarver Miķelis Pankoks (1894–1983). The museum also holds the archive of the Liepāja city architect, Pauls Makss Berči.

One of the city's largest exhibition halls regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions. The museum has branches: the Liepājas okupācijas muzejs (Liepāja Occupation Museum) and the 19th-century interior museum “Hoijeres kundzes viesu nams” (Mrs Hoijere's Guest House).

Highlights

• Permanent exhibitions on the history of Liepāja and southern Kurzeme
• Exhibition on the woodcarver Miķelis Pankoks
• The Provisional Government of Latvia in Liepāja in 1919
• Building from 1900–1901
• Architect Berči's archive
• One of the city's largest exhibition halls

Permanent exhibitions

• Liepājas vēsture – The ancient history of the Liepāja area, medieval Liepāja and the 19th-century town, as well as the life and work of the people of southern Kurzeme.
• Latvijas Pagaidu valdības seši mēneši Liepājā – Exhibition on 1919, when Liepāja was the seat of the Provisional Government of Latvia.
• Miķelis Pankoks (1894–1983) – Exhibition on the life and works of the woodcarver and artist Miķelis Pankoks.

Founded

1924

Operated by

Liepājas valstspilsētas pašvaldība

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The permanent history exhibitions are free of charge; a fee may be charged for some temporary exhibitions. Free admission also applies to orphans, museum employees, ICOM members, children, people with disabilities (on presentation of a card), politically repressed persons and the press (with a press card).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 building is not accessible to people with mobility impairments. People with visual, hearing or other impairments may visit the museum accompanied by a carer.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

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

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Halls, gardens and rooms can be rented for events, weddings and meetings; equipment is also available (screens, projectors, sound equipment and display cases).

Plan your visit