“Night of Museums” in Liepāja Brims with Musical Performances

An international event “Night of Museums” in Liepāja this year promises a variety of musical performances on Saturday, May 18th at venues throughout the city. Music band “Dziļi violets” will perform at the Liepāja Museum Garden on Kūrmājas prospekts 16/18, meanwhile, the Liepāja Interior Museum courtyard at Kungu iela 24 will come alive with the tunes of the post-folklore band “Iļģi,” accompanied by an fire show.

From 19:00 onwards, the “Night of Museums Stage” at the Liepāja Museum Garden will host performances by the students of POP ROCK SCHOOL, followed by the John Coltrane Band – the Liepāja Jazz Community, who have chosen composer and saxophonist John Coltrane as the patron and beacon of their music.

Next in line, the Suiti Bagpipers, leading up to the evening finale by “Dziļi violets.” Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy the “Oskars” restaurant’s outdoor café and free carousel rides for children.

Meanwhile, at the courtyard of the Liepāja 17th-19th Century Interior Museum “Madame Hoyer's Guest House” the Liepāja Travelling Puppet Theatre “Maska” and Liepāja People’s Theatre will perform alongside the Riga Circus with clowning and juggling acts. Attendees can also witness a coppersmith’s demonstration and craft their own copper jewellery. The night will culminate with a post-folk concert by “Iļģi” and a fire show.

Right there, venue guests can enjoy the tasty meals at the open-air café of Hoyer’s Pub, while those seeking a glimpse into history can explore the first-floor exhibition of the Liepāja 17th-19th Century Interior Museum. Step into the 17th-century ambiance of the pub, explore the private rooms of owner, the dowager Madame Hoyer, and guest chambers – all while experiencing the age-old tradition of bread baking courtesy of baker Aivars Ozols.

As already reported, this year the European Night of Museums coincides with International Museum Day, with local museums including the Liepāja Museum at Kūrmājas prospekts 16/18, the Liepāja 17th-19th Century Interior Museum “Madam Hoyer's Guest House” at Kungu iela 24, the Liepāja Occupation Museum at K.Ukstiņa iela 7/9 and the Karosta Prison at Invalīdu iela 4, all offering an exciting time travel honouring the rich cultural heritage of Liepāja and its region.

Inside the Liepāja Museum, visitors will enjoy complimentary access to current art exhibitions, including “Art on a Tray” by painter Anita Arbidāne, exclusive video tours of museums’ collections not typically accessible to the public, engage in workshops on old printing, calligraphy, glove patterns, and “Flower Oasis”, demonstrations of Latvian folk music instruments and yarn spinning, and participate in creative workshops on Kurzeme pottery and live poetry readings.

The newly renovated Liepāja Occupation Museum at K.Ukstiņa iela 7/9 will offer documentary films on Latvia’s history from 1917 to 1990, a photo corner and a parade of vintage cars in the museum’s courtyard. Don’t miss the chance to dine with the musical community of “Austrasbērni”.

In Karosta, the Night of Museums commences at 18:00 at the Karosta Prison, at Invalīdu iela 4. Up to 22:00 everyone is welcome to visit the renovated rooms including the warden's office, civil protection room, and replica rooms of the Karosta officer’s wife, the Soviet pedlar, and military items exposition. Engage with animators portraying characters from Karosta’s history, providing insight into each exhibition.

For added convenience, the “Libau Train,” operating from Liepāja Museum at Kūrmājas prospekts 16/18, will transport visitors to various Night of Museums venues throughout the evening.

Admission to Liepāja Museum, Liepāja 17th-19th Century Interior Museum “Madame Hoyer’s Guest House,” Liepāja Occupation Museum, and Karosta Prison on May 18th is free for all visitors.

For more information on Night of Museums in Liepāja, please visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MuzejuNaktsLiepaja and the Liepāja Museum website: https://www.liepajasmuzejs.lv/en

Further information about the international “Night of Museums” campaign is available at: https://latvia.icom.museum.lv/muzeju-nakts/ (for Latvian leg of events) and www.nuitdesmusees.fr

‍