Jelgava Old Town House is an architectural monument of national importance and one of the oldest wooden houses in Jelgava that has survived to the present day. The house and the adjacent building of the Zemgale Restoration Centre, as well as their grounds, were part of the historic Jacob’s Canal and the city fortification rampart in the 17th century.

Jelgava Old Town House once housed apartments, a shop, furniture joinery, a bicycle and moped repair shop, a shoemaker’s workshop, and a laundry reception. The old inhabitants used stoves and ovens to heat the rooms, there was a well in the courtyard, and in the 19th/20th century there was a water main in the street. There were sheds for firewood and utility purposes in the yard.

Historical exhibition

The exhibition is housed in a historic apartment. The story of the house is contained in three large golden chests. By opening the drawers of the chests, visitors can learn facts about Jelgava’s wooden architecture, the Jelgava Old Town House, its history and restoration. The exhibition uses innovative and interactive solutions – videos, animated photographs, audio guides (in Latvian, English and Russian). With the help of specially created soundtracks and everyday sounds, visitors have the opportunity to get into the atmosphere of the old house and become part of the bustle of the exhibition.

The distinctive wooden attic, which has been skillfully restored, preserving the ancient wooden structures as much as possible, is also open to the public. The attic is intended to house various thematic exhibitions by artists.

The building has an elevator, making it accessible and accessible to people with reduced mobility.

COST

• Adults – 4,00 EUR;
• Pupils, students, pensioners – 1,50 EUR;
• Family ticket – 6,00 EUR;
• Guided tour (in Latvian) 9,00 EUR;
• Guided tour (in Latvian) 15,00 EUR;
• Guided tour (in Russian, English, German) 20,00 EUR

Photos from Jelgava County TIC archive