The Kuldīga Museum: A Journey Back in Time

A visit to Kuldīga is a timeless classic. Many of us cherish fond memories of walking barefoot across the Ventas Rumba or watching the mesmerizing dance of flying fish. But what lies beyond the charming cobbled streets of the old town and the iconic photogenic bridge? This time, let’s take a step further and board a time machine at the Kuldīga Museum. Our destination? The apartment of a wealthy Kuldīga resident from the early 20th century.

Kuldīga, here we come!

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Step Back in Time at the Kuldīga Museum

Every adventure is as exciting as the attitude you bring to it. At the Kuldīga Museum, you can climb the stairs to the second floor—or make it more fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt: search for fragments of the original paintwork hidden on the beautifully restored walls.

If you’re up for the challenge, I’ve got a few more tasks for you during your visit.

Getting to Know the Kuldīga Museum

Let’s start with the basics. The Kuldīga Museum is actually spread across two buildings. The main museum, a historic villa located near the Ventas Rumba, is an elegant moss-green structure with decorative wooden paneling—hard to miss.

The second building houses the museum’s archives, an impressive collection of historical artifacts. While our visit focuses on the part of Kuldiga museum that’s in the manor this time, the archives are definitely worth exploring on another occasion.

Temporary Exhibit Space in Kuldīga Museum

Upon arrival, friendly staff greet visitors with a warm welcome and a helpful tip: the exhibitions on the first and third floors change periodically. This means that what is here today—a mirror collection and a photography exhibition—may differ from what you’ll encounter the next time you come here. To check what’s on display in Kuldīga museum at a time of your visit, check their website.

While I won’t delve too deeply into the temporary exhibits—after all, they are fleeting—let’s take a brief glimpse to savor the museum’s distinctive charm.

Take a guess: what are the stars of the mirror exhibition? Ornamental hand mirrors, of course! Decorated with floral motifs, intricate patterns, baby faces, and scenic landscapes, each piece is a tiny masterpiece. As we pause to reflect, it’s fascinating to consider how these once-essential items, tucked into every handbag, have been largely replaced by the ever-present smartphone screen in our modern lives.

These hand mirrors are a nostalgic tribute to a bygone era when beauty and practicality seamlessly intertwined, encapsulated in exquisite artistry.

Knocking on History’s Door: A Wealthy Kuldīga Resident’s Apartment

The permanent exhibit on the second floor of the Kuldīga Museum offers a delightful surprise—it feels like stepping into someone’s elegant home. The immersive atmosphere makes you half-expect a maid to appear from the next room, announcing that the lady of the house is waiting in her study.

Every corner of this recreated apartment exudes warmth and character. From the carefully chosen furniture to the crocheted tablecloths and elegant curtains, you can sense the attention to detail. Unlike the often cold and impersonal feel of grand palaces, this space feels cozy and livable. Well, perhaps except for the ghost that occasionally plays the piano…

Everyone Deserves a Study Like This!

Stepping into the study feels like uncovering a hidden gem. Can you imagine working in a room with a view like this? The large window offers a breathtaking panorama of Ventas Rumba, where fish can be seen leaping elegantly against the current. As one of my friends once remarked: this is the type of a workplace that inspires poetry.

But turns out that the lady of the house was more inclined to discuss the latest trends in fashion than penning verses.

Have You Forgotten About the Challenges I Promised?

Let’s continue our journey—after all, no mansion is complete without its luxurious extras! One standout feature here is the winter garden—a bright, sunny room dedicated to houseplants and art. It’s the kind of space I’d love to have myself! Here, your first challenge awaits: can you decipher what’s written in the old-fashioned print?

After catching up on the Kuldīga news, let’s take a look into the gentleman’s study, where a fascinating collection of playing cards catches the eye. Have you ever seen black playing cards before? Since it seems like no one’s home today, let’s take the opportunity to sneak a peek at the heart of the house—the kitchen.

The kitchen is always my favorite room in museums like this, as it offers a tangible glimpse into how far we’ve come since that era. The stove is quite different, with metal rings instead of modern burners, and the “coffee machine” certainly wasn’t automatic—you had to grind the coffee manually.

Now, here’s your next challenge: can you figure out what this unusual object is?

I won’t spoil the surprise—you’ll have to visit the Kuldīga Museum to find out!

One Last Quest on the Third Floor

After exploring the apartment, I have one final task for you. Somewhere on the third floor, you’ll find a room with its original, unrestored paintwork still intact. Here’s a hint: this room exudes a raw, romantic charm, telling a story of how time fades and frays surfaces but can never erase their essence. Your challenge is to find this room.

And while you’re there, take the time to explore the third-floor exhibits and reflect on which moment or detail of Kuldīga museum resonated with you the most.

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Thoughts?

The Kuldīga Museum masterfully creates the sensation of traveling through time. If you’re captivated by experiences like this, be sure to include it in your itinerary on your next trip to Kurzeme.

FAQs About Visiting Kuldīga Museum

How much time should you set aside for the Kuldīga Museum?
For me it took about 40 minutes. But I am lazy when it comes to reading descriptions. So, if you’re someone who enjoys diving deep into details, plan for a bit longer.

Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is. You can find the pricing details on the museum’s website.

Can you visit without a car?
Absolutely! The museum is centrally located in Kuldīga, so if you can reach the town, the museum is just a short walk away.