Melānija Vanaga Museum

Materials about the life of the writer and historian of culture, her literary activities, family and fates. Siberian dug-out- a journey to the destination for deportations in Krasnoyarsk krai in Tyukhtet. Videos about Siberia and Latvians living there.

Among the most unique exhibits is the 9 m long genealogy roll created by Melānija Vanaga, which covers information on her family and its fourteen generations dating back to 1600.

After returning from Siberia to Latvia, she wrote a culture-historical novel “Dvēseļu pulcēšana” (The Gathering of Souls) in 7 volumes, each of which is devoted a single exhibition in the museum. Melānija Vanaga says: “The history of my family is the same small history of the Latvians, at least one page in the history of Vidzeme Region, which is untold elsewhere.”

There is a movie about Melānija Vanaga, which can be seen in the museum, along with unique and handwritten, unpublished books, and personal belongings of the writer accompanied by stories of these.

Next to the holy stone, located not far from the museum, there is a pit-dwelling similar to those the deported ones lived in in Siberia. The only structure of its type in Latvia creates a realistic feeling of the extreme circumstances the deported ones had to endure in Siberia.

The museum is opened subject to prior announcement by phone!

Facts and figures

• In 1941 and 1949, the Soviet reign arrested and forced to move to Siberia 57,568 Latvian inhabitants, including 14,728 children and adolescents.
• Melānija Vanaga and her 8-year old son were deported on 14 June 1941.
• Children deported to Siberia in 1941 created a Siberian pit-dwelling in 2010, which was opened next to the museum. The looks and installations create a realistic image of the forced life in deportation.

Donations are accepted as the entrance fee

Extra services

• Virtual exposition of the museum: www.esipats.lv

For your conveniences

• Free parking
• WC
• Wireless internet (Wi-Fi)