As part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, the international forum “Historic Gardens and Gardens in Historic Environments” will take place at Kuldīga Art House on 2 October 2026, from 10.00 to 17.30. Specialists from Latvia and abroad will share their knowledge and experience of maintaining and restoring historic gardens, as well as creating new gardens in historic environments.
The forum will bring together industry professionals, owners of historic buildings and gardens, representatives of municipalities and other interested participants to highlight the importance of gardens in preserving the cultural and historic environment. The programme will include expert lectures, experience stories and discussions on practical solutions that help preserve the distinctive character of historic places while adapting them to contemporary needs.
Kuldīga is one of Latvia’s most beautiful small towns, and its Old Town has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2023. The town is distinguished by its unique historic atmosphere and spirit of place, or genius loci. Historically, the tradition of maintaining private gardens was also an important part of Kuldīga Old Town. Today, this tradition has declined considerably, changing the landscape characteristic of the Old Town.
To strengthen and revive this tradition, the Kuldīga Restoration Centre created a model traditional garden in the courtyard of the building at 30 Baznīcas Street in 2024. In cooperation with local residents, the “Kuldīga Old Town Garden” route is also being developed and complemented by educational lectures and practical workshops.
Attendance at the forum is free of charge; however, to reserve a place, participants must purchase a €20 catering ticket, which includes lunch and a coffee or tea break. Admission to the forum will only be permitted with a ticket purchased in advance.
Tickets are available from “Biļešu paradīze” box offices and online.
The forum is organized within the framework of GENIUS LOCI programme and with financial support from the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027.” The programme of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” is implemented by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, with funding allocated by the City of Liepāja, the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, and the Ministry of Culture. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, Jsc; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, legal partner: Sorainen Law Office, Ltd., Jsc; and its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd. Media partners: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd. and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc.
The forum is organised with financial support from EU–Japan Fest, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, Kuldīga Municipality and the State Culture Capital Foundation.
On 10 September, as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, the Fourth Kurzeme Culture Forum “Cultural Growth: People” took place at Kazdanga Parish Culture Centre, bringing together around 200 representatives of the cultural sector and other interested participants.
Under the theme “Cultural Growth: People”, the fourth Kurzeme Culture Forum will take place on 10 September at the Kazdanga Parish Cultural Centre as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme. The event will bring together cultural professionals, enthusiasts and everyone interested in the development of culture.
On Sunday, 9 August, a wooden window restoration workshop took place outside the Alsunga Culture Centre as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme.