On October 2, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:30 the Kuldīga Art House will host the International Forum “Historic Gardens and Gardens in Historic Areas,” featuring experienced specialists from Latvia and abroad who will share their expertise on the maintenance and restoration of historic gardens, as well as the creation of new gardens in historic settings. The forum is part of the “Genius Loci” project under the “Liepāja 2027” programme.
Kuldīga, one of Latvia’s most beautiful small towns, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. The town is known for its unique historical atmosphere and strong sense of place. Traditionally, gardens in the Old Town’s courtyards were an important part of Kuldīga’s character. However, this tradition has declined over time, changing the historic landscape. To help revive this heritage, the Kuldīga Restoration Center created a model traditional garden in the courtyard of Baznīcas Street 30 in 2024. Together with local residents, it is also developing the “Kuldīga Old Town Garden” route, supported by regular educational lectures and hands-on workshops. The garden route is planned to open on June 4, 2027.
The forum is part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme. The forum is organized with financial support from the “Liepāja 2027 Foundation,” EU-Japan Fest, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, the Kuldīga Municipality, and the State Culture Capital Foundation. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by the leading partner in environmental education and sustainability AS “CleanR Grupa”, the leading partner in air traffic and international communications AS “Air Baltic Corporation”, partner in legal matters SIA “Sorainen ZAB”, partner in land traffic SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, partner in maritime traffic and international communications SIA “Stena Line”. Media partners – VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, SIA “TVNET GRUPA”, AS “KURZEMES RADIO”.
For more information about the speakers and the event: Facebook / Kuldīga Old Town Garden
Participation in the forum is free, but you must purchase a ticket to confirm your attendance; the ticket price includes lunch and a coffee/tea break. Admission is by ticket only. Ticket price: 20 euros. Tickets for the forum can be purchased at Biļešu paradīze ticket offices and online at: www.bilesuparadize.lv
During the event, there will be a library and reading room featuring issues of the magazine “Mans dārzs” (My Garden) from the past five years, as well as the café “Celms maize.”
Information prepared by:
Ilze Zariņa
The Association “Kultūras projektu koordinācijas centrs”
