Viktora Ķirpa Ates muzejs „Vidzemes lauku sēta“

About the museum

The museum was created following the insight of Kārlis Ulmanis that the farmstead is the cradle of the nation. At the beginning of the 1980s, on the initiative of Viktors Ķirps, with the support of the parish council and residents, the Ottes dzirnavu ēka (Otte Mill building) was thoroughly renovated. Ķirps, then chairman of the executive committee of the village of Kalncempji, wanted to create a memorial corner to preserve the history of the parish and the memory of its native sons. In 1985 the Kalncempju novadpētniecības muzejs (Kalncempji Local History Museum) opened, and in 1996 Ķirps received the Triju Zvaigžņu ordenis (Order of the Three Stars) for his contribution to the museum.

The collection is based on the personal collection of the museum's founder, which was handed over to the parish museum in 1999 and initially comprised 4,036 items. Today the collection has more than 6,500 objects: farm technology from the period of the independent state, horse harness, several dozen internal combustion engines, and the tools of craftsmen and farmers.

The farm buildings – the family house, the threshing barn, the horse, engine and grain sheds, the smithy, the coach house, the granary, the pūnīte (small hay shed) and the sauna – present the life of the Vidzeme farmer at the end of the 19th century and in the 20th century. In the building “Laidars” temporary exhibitions are regularly set up, and in 2016 the permanent exhibition “Kalncempju vēstures lappuses” (Pages of Kalncempji History) was opened.

Highlights

• Vidzeme farmstead with family house, threshing barn, smithy, sauna and granary
• Collection of more than 6,500 objects with farm technology and combustion engines
• Permanent exhibition “Kalncempju vēstures lappuses” (Pages of Kalncempji History)
• Tools can not only be viewed but also tried out
• Museum education programmes, including a candle-making workshop

Permanent exhibitions

• Vidzemes lauku sēta – Permanent exhibition in the farm buildings on the life of Vidzeme farmers at the end of the 19th century and in the 20th century.
• Kalncempju vēstures lappuses – Permanent exhibition on the history of Kalncempji parish and its notable local people.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Alūksnes novada muzejs

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Admission is free on exhibition opening days, during Muzeju nakts (Museum Night) and at events dedicated to Latvian state holidays and traditional annual customs.

Museum admission: adults €3.50, pensioners €2.50, pupils and students €2. The pupils' museum education programme with admission costs €3.50. Payment in cash or by card is possible.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Family ticket; pupils receive a task booklet, can try out farm tools and take part in a candle-making workshop.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Anna parish, Alūksne municipality.

Amenities & dining

There is a campfire site on the grounds; overnight stays are possible in the pūnīte (hay shed) for €4 per adult, or in a tent.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Hall in the “Laidars” building – €19.97 per hour; wedding at the farmstead – €75.

Plan your visit