Valdis Tumovs, the owner of the exhibition, tells us ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

The World War II exhibition in Aglona celebrated its 16th season this year.

During this time there have been many visitors, big and small, much talked and much heard. Today’s events in Ukraine have also left their mark on the atmosphere of the museum. One can draw parallels between today and those distant events of the 1940s, find differences in aims and methods, but this does not change the nature of war.

From time to time, ambitious leaders emerge who use any method to achieve their goals, including the use of aggression through the army, without regard for human life.

The collection has grown over the past sixteen years (more than a thousand items) and we are always on the lookout for exhibits not only in Latvia but also in other countries, so the exhibition is constantly changing and improving.

There have also been changes in the services available:

1) It is now possible to see and take photographs in the outdoor exhibition, where large-scale war items are on display. Indoors, the motorbike with sidecar, a favourite exhibit for schoolchildren, is now complete with helmets, uniforms and model weapons that can be used as props to make a souvenir picture of the visit.

2) Also new is a small, but popular, souvenir market with a variety of themed products.

At the beginning of the programme, as in all these years, there is a short informative introduction with an opportunity for pupils to ask questions and get answers.

This historical theme is more than relevant today and children love it here, so we welcome visitors big and small!

The core of the museum is the weapons of the World War II conflict. There are also uniforms, ammunition, household items, plane wrecks, etc. The most precious and unique part is the correspondence between Oberleutnant August and his beloved Martha over the five years of the war. A dialogue in letters between two people in love with each other with a happy ending. In the background you can see a chronicle of those times. The expedition is not politicised, but equally divides the two warring sides. There is no right or wrong here, perhaps that is why it is easy to watch and visitors like it.

PRICES

Adults – 5.00 EUR

Schoolchildren – 4.00 EUR

Photos from the museum archives.