‘The core of the exhibition is the story of several generations of Latvian instrument-makers and creators, their inclusion in the European tradition of instrument-making without sacrificing originality and innovation. A second direction in selecting instruments for the exhibition reveals relationships between instruments and their users, people prominent in Latvian culture. This direction is continued by outstanding Latvian performers, whose dialogues with their instruments are captured in large-scale black and white photographs and videos,’ says Iveta Ruskule, Director of the LNMLM.

Visitors will be presented with six audiovisual stories about each of the instrument families highlighted in the exhibition, as well as digital and interactive demonstrations of individual specimens. The Wall of Masters will educate about instrument-makers in Latvia. Each visitor will be able to use their senses: to find out the weight of each instrument, to play on the Bench of Sounds, to try out Trīsskanis, a novel machine for the observation of sensations, and work with ‘touchable’ instruments.

The exhibition has been created so that each visitor can use not only their sight, but also their hearing and touch, and its various features are intended for children and adults, amateurs and professionals alike. Thanks to a collaboration with the association SocIntegra and the RTU Liepāja Academy, the exhibition is suited for people with visual impairments.

Families and children are welcome to use the Touch book. It contains interesting facts about music and instruments as well as an interview with singer Katrīna Gupalo. For the young and eager minds, the book contains crossword puzzles, coloring pages and many other activities.

‘Imants Resnis once shared his vision that instruments from the LNMLM collection should be displayed at the Liepāja Concert Hall. I am very pleased to see this idea partly come true. The Concert Hall is the most appropriate location for this beautiful collection of wonderful instruments. We are deeply honored that the exhibition will be opened here, and we are grateful to the Museum for this opportunity,’ says Timurs Tomsons, Chairperson of the Board of the Great Amber Concert Hall in Liepāja.

The creators are grateful to the Great Amber team for their contribution and also wish to thank the Liepāja Culture Department and Public Utility Department, the Liepāja Society of the Blind, third-year students of the New Media Art and Design bachelor program of the RTU Liepāja Academy, and the students of the Liepāja Music, Art and Design School. 

Exhibition team: curator Liena Šmukste, layout design by Māris Ruskulis, lighting design by Mārtiņš Feldmanis, sound design by Jēkabs Nīmanis and Pāvils Jurjāns, photographs by Jānis Porietis, text by Agnese Rutkēviča and a team of LNMLM researchers and developers.

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m.