May sunshine, flowers, celebrations, and spring — both in art and in cultural-historical events — this is how the museum will welcome its visitors in May.

Two art exhibitions will continue throughout the entire month, each with its own distinct message:

• Anita Mencendorfa’s watercolor exhibition “MELODIES” speaks to the viewer through the poetry of the once well-known poet Laima Līvena. The artist was inspired to create paintings in fleeting and delicate watercolor tones by the poetry of Laima Līvena, who was once considered a dissident poet;
• the exhibition “ELUSIVE SINGULARITY” by the artists’ collective UNION 5 is dedicated to our source of strength, richness, splendor, and adornment — the nature and landscape of Latvia. The artists invite us to recognize its uniqueness and value, the need to preserve it, and to view Latvia’s enchanting natural scenery and resources not as something self-evident, but as a source of our wealth, happiness, inspiration, and emotional renewal. Nine artists are participating in the exhibition — each with their own artistic expression and vision.

 

On May 23 from 18:00 — “A CANE, A TURKEY, A CHAMBER POT — THE FASCINATING STORIES OF OBJECTS IN THE MUSEUM.”

On May 23, Latvia will host “Museum Night,” and this year museums will introduce visitors to the adventures of historical objects, echoing Rainis’ insight: “Even a rag was once a shirt of honor,” reminding us that every object has its own story and value. At the Smiltene Regional Museum in Mēru Manor, visitors will hear stories told — through museum staff — by both older and newer objects, as well as by those we would not usually consider museum exhibits, yet they have found their place here and weave legends around themselves… A non-traditional экскурсия and an extensive interactive game involving participants and spectators are expected… Admission to the museum, the guided tour, and the exhibitions is free of charge. A spectator ticket may apply for the trivia game.

We continue the monthly “treasure” exhibition series — in the context of the museum’s 15th anniversary, each month we highlight and honor one of the “pearls” of the collection.

In May, it is a somewhat unique book — a BIBLE published in 1854, which was donated to the Smiltene Lutheran congregation by the parish “gentlemen” (benefactors) on October 18, 1859, in connection with the renovation of the church building. The Bible will be on display in the museum showcase throughout May, after which it will return to the collection under appropriate storage conditions.

See you in the charm of May — Smiltene Regional Museum at Mēru Manor!

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Article written by Vita Blate, Head of Educational Work and Visitor Services at the Smiltene Regional Museum