The coastal city of Liepāja is preparing to host its annual cultural marathon, European Museum Night, on Friday, May 22. Under the theme “Stories. Night,” the city’s museums, galleries, and public spaces will transform into immersive storytelling venues from 5:00 PM until 1:00 AM.
While the national Museum Night across Latvia typically falls on a Saturday, Liepāja has moved its festivities to Friday to accommodate the major Youth Dance Festival and Līva Village Festival taking place the following day. This shift offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the city’s rich heritage and vibrant music scene through a series of free events, culminating in a headline performance by the internationally acclaimed indie-rock band Carnival Youth.
Event Schedule and Music Highlights
The central hub for the evening is the garden of the Liepāja Museum at Kūrmājas prospekts 16/18. This venue will host a continuous lineup of live music, transitioning from student performances to established national acts.
- 19:15: Liepāja Pop Rock School students
- 21:00: Amber Strings (Ensemble)
- 21:45: Nova Koma (Rock band)
- 23:00: Carnival Youth (Headliner)
Carnival Youth, known to UK audiences for their appearances at festivals like The Great Escape and their European Border Breakers Award, will provide the night’s musical climax. Their performance is expected to draw significant crowds to the museum gardens, where a family-friendly atmosphere will be maintained with open-air catering and activities.
Family Activities and Interactive Workshops
Museum Night in Liepāja is designed to be accessible for all ages. At the main Liepāja Museum site, children can enjoy free carousels and creative workshops. A highlight for those interested in traditional arts is the calligraphy workshop led by artist Dzintra Vīriņa, alongside a program dedicated to the traditional culture of Rucava.
For a more historical immersive experience, the 17th–19th Century Interior Museum (Madame Hoyer’s Guest House) will offer:
* World music by the group “UDUDU.”
* A performance of the play “Münchausen’s Wedding.”
* Historical costume fittings and a fragrance workshop.
* A fire juggling show in the courtyard to conclude the evening.
Historical Insight and Special Exhibitions
The Liepāja Occupation Museum will provide a more somber but essential look at Latvia’s 20th-century history. The program includes drone demonstrations, an exhibition of National Guard (Zemessardze) equipment, and film screenings regarding the occupation of Latvia. A special musical guest, Guntis Veits of the legendary Latvian band “Credo,” will perform a narrative set titled “Finally, Guntis Veits has made it into the museum.”
Education and local history intersect at the Liepāja State Gymnasium, where visitors can view Soviet-era school supplies and a legendary music stand associated with the world-renowned composer Raimonds Pauls. Meanwhile, the RTU Liepāja Academy will host language games and phonetic activities, paired with folk dancing by the ensemble “Banga.”
Practical Information for Visitors
Date: Friday, May 22
Time: 17:00 – 01:00
Cost: Admission to all participating museums and workshops is free of charge.
Transport: To navigate the various venues across the city, the “Libau Train” will operate throughout the night. The train starts its route at the Liepāja Museum. A single ticket costs €4 and is valid for unlimited travel during the Museum Night event.
This year’s theme, “Adventures of the Object,” is inspired by the Latvian poet Rainis, who famously noted that even a rag was once a shirt of honor. This philosophy encourages visitors to look beyond the surface of museum artifacts to find the human stories and evolving values they represent.
Original reporting by: liepaja
Source: Liepājas valstspilsētas pašvaldība
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