Antons Austriņš Memorial Museum “Kaikaši”
“Kaikaši”, Vecpiebalga Civil Parish, Vecpiebalga District
municipal museum
Type by the Law of Museums
accredited
Accredited by Ministry of Culture
member
Member of Latvian Museums Association
Offer and services
- free admission
- free parking
- opening hours after 18.00
- easy to reach with public transport
- guide or mobile app
- offer for pupils
Located in “Lejas Kaikaši” in Vecpiebalga parish – the birthplace of writer Antons Austriņš (1884–1934) – the memorial museum has been open since 1990. Here, visitors can gain insight into his life and literary heritage, as well as feel the spirit of the era that shaped his personality.
Working hours
See homepage for detailsMonday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Friday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Open 15 May to 15 October
Admission fee
Entrance fee | 2.50 EUR |
Payment in cash only.
Discounts: for seniors, pupils, and families with children.
The museum also features the rich collection of sun representations gathered by Antons Austriņš’s daughter, cultural worker and émigré writer Mudīte Austriņa (1924–1991). Created during her life in different countries and through encounters with diverse traditions, the collection reflects her life story and spiritual legacy, allowing visitors to see the sun as a universal symbol in humanity’s worldview.
The village of Kaikaši, where the museum is located, preserves stories of everyday life of the old Piebalga community. The partially preserved layout of six farmsteads, together with the paths and roads, remind visitors of the historic rhythms of local life – the work of farmers, the daily routines of fishermen, the skills of craftsmen, and the activities of traders.
A special atmosphere is created in the Solstice Room, where photographs capture the magic of the shortest nights of the year. The moments immortalized by photographer A. Šulcs convey the enchantment of solstice celebrations and the continuity of traditions that connect generations.
The museum is best suited for small groups and offers thematic programmes for up to 20 people. Guests are invited to try:
The Old Words Game – test your knowledge of local dialect words and older Latvian vocabulary.
Creative Workshop “Little Suns” – create artworks with sun motifs, inspired by folk symbols and Mudīte Austriņa’s collection.
Photo Orienteering – an exciting treasure-hunt style game in the museum, using pictures as clues (especially suitable for children).
Hiking Game in Vecpiebalga – a 4 km adventure with your phone in hand! Discover the cultural landscape of Vecpiebalga during an educational walk through the town centre.
A visit to “Kaikaši” is a journey that combines knowledge with emotions. It is a place to find peace, listen to the voice of nature, remember one’s roots, and recharge in the unique atmosphere of Piebalga.
“Our home is not only shelter from rain and wind, it also holds a fragment of the nation’s soul.”
(Antons Austriņš)
Antons Austriņš Memorial Museum “Kaikaši”
“Kaikaši”, Vecpiebalga Civil Parish, Vecpiebalga District
municipal museum
Type by the Law of Museums
accredited
Accredited by Ministry of Culture
member
Member of Latvian Museums Association
Offer and services
- free admission
- free parking
- opening hours after 18.00
- easy to reach with public transport
- guide or mobile app
- offer for pupils
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