Expositions
In LCHM it is possible to see 3 permanent exhibitions. Each in its own way reaches both historical researchers, both folk and professional art lovers. In all three exhibitions there are displayed altogether 1694 LCHM stock items, thus providing the availability of the most unique exhibits of collection to society.
The exhibition of Latgale ceramics “The wonder created by clay and fire transformations”
Ceramics of Latgale is the most prominent brand of Latgale in cultural heritage of Latvia. It is the largest exhibition of ceramics in Latvia and world, which gives visually rich evidence of the development of the potter’s craft in historical aspect from its very beginning – Neolithic era – till the achievements, experiments and development of contemporary masters of ceramics of Latgale.
In the exhibition there is an opportunity not only to look closely at ceramic objects, but also to touch and feel the roughness of unglazed clay pots and smoothness of the glazed ones, to hear the spirits of nature of Latgale and the potter’s yard, rustling of the lake Lubāns, a potter’s voice in the market place, to feel the cosiness of the potter’s simple room and clinking breakfast cups, to explore a stylized pottery workshop and realize clay’s miraculous encounter with fire, when the crockery revives in amazing colours and sounds.
An audioguide is available (in Latvian, English, and Russian) to get more detailed information of the museum exhibits and history of Latgale ceramics.
Rezekne historical exposition “Rezekne at the turn of an epoch”
Exposition presents history of Rezekne – the city in the heart of Latgale – during the period of seven centuries. From the 9th to 12th century there was located an ancient Latgalians’ wooden castle, but later in the same place on the bank of the river Rezekne there was built a Livonian Order stone castle. For the first time the name of Rezekne was mentioned in Lübeck documents in 1285. Rositten, Rzežyca, Režica, Rēzekne – these are historical names of the city. Rezekne has long ago been a crossroad for different nationalities – Germans and Swedes, Russians, Poles, Jews and Gypsies, who were conquerors and merchants, pilgrims and tourists.
In the exposition visitors can get to know the personalities of Latgale, who have lived in Rezekne city and county (a film director, actor, screenwriter Teuvo Tulio (real name Theodor Antonius Tugai), a ballet dancer Helēna Elvīra Rönnqvist ( born Garšina ), a photographer Jānis Gleizds, an organist Iveta Apkalna, a Cardinal Jānis Pujāts, an artist Arkādijs Naišloss etc.) and who have made the name of Rezekne known in the world.
Exposition structure: the period of Ancient Latgalian wooden castle, Rezekne as the centre of Livonia castle county in the 13th–16th century, Rezekne as a part of Poland (1562–1772) and a part of Russian Empire (1772–1917), Rezekne in the World War I, Rezekne in the first era of Free State of Latvia, World War II and tragic years, prominent people of Rezekne in the 20th century, the Third Awakening and nowadays.
Latgale painting
(Works are exhibited in Art House of Rezekne secondary school of Art and Design (RSSAD), 18.novembra iela 26)
The collection of Latgale painting is a reflection of LCHM extensive collection of fine art, which includes artistic manifestations of Latgale from the 30-ies of the 20th century till nowadays. The works created by Latgale old masters, their followers and new generation artists perfectly fit in RSSAD Art House (the house was built at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century) mansion interior.
In Art House there are exhibited the works of old masters such as F. Varslavāns A. Filka, S. Kreics, V. Kalvāns, A. Egle, L. Tomašickis and others, as well as the works of exile artists – J. Soikans, J. Gailis, J. Gorsvāns, the works of Rezekne artists – J. Beketovs A. Kūkojs, J. Unda, H. Kuzmina-Svilāne, O. Zvejsalnieks A. Rancāns, E. Paura, V. Paurs, J. Briedis, P. Ostapcevs and works of other artists of Latgale.