The childhood of the outstanding Latvian poet, translator, master of drama, public and political figure Rainis (1865 – 1929) was spent here, on the hilly Laucesa River bank, in Berkenele Manor. Here the poet’s personality and worldview began to form and the first verses were born. Memories collected here are reflected in Rainis anthology of poetry "Five Sketch-books of Dagda”. Expositions devoted to the poet and different art exhibitions can be seen in the manor now. It is possible to order excursions, participate in workshops and organize seminars, too.

Museum offers:
* Rainis and Berkenele Exposition
* Children's Room Exposition
* Art exhibitions

Open hours:
May 15th – October 15th
Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 18:00 p.m.

(October 16th – May 14th – pre-order is needed)

Excursion offer:

* ”Trip Around the Land of the Sun” – excursion around the house and garden; a story about Rainis childhood, viewing films based on Rainis poetry motives; (for children and students)
* ”The Road of the Sun” - excursion around the house and garden; a guide in a game way explains how did Rainis childhood events implemented his further life; (for children and students)
* “The Only View” - excursion around the house and garden; participants get acquainted with Rainis "Five Sketch-books of Dagda” anthology of poetry and visit mentioned in the poetry places; (for students and adults)
* “The Sun and a Boy” - excursion around the house and garden; the excursion is mostly held in Children’s Room Exposition, participats get to know what Rainis was dreaming of, which books he was reading and why the “sun” was his favorite poetic image; (for children and students)
* “Sacral Heritage” –excursion to Birkineli Evangelical Lutheran Church and cemetery; (for students and adults)
* “Apple Taste Way” –excursion route to the orchard of Alberts Mendrikis and Berkenele garden, product degustation.
(for students and adults)

Workshops:

* Wooden toy painting
* Wool processing
* Soap making
* Weaving
* Poker-work technique
* Letter writing
* Postcard making

INTERESTING:

*On the Museum Night event of 2017 (May 20th) will be dedicated to Rainis contemporary – poet Eduards Veidenbaums;

* Birkineli Evangelical Lutheran Church will participate in the Church Night event of 2017 (June 2nd) for the first time;

* At the end of summer 2017 (August 21st-25th) the traditional seminar of theatre studio of youngsters “Berķeneles Kamolītis” will be held in Berkenele. This meeting will have a new performance as a result;

* The most important day of the year is September 8th – the Birthday of Rainis (or the Days of Poetry event), the “Zelta sietiņš” Scenic Speaking Competition will be held on September 14th.

Birkineli, Kalkuni parish, Daugavpils nov.

Phone: +371 65474368. Mob.phone: +371 29272200, +371 26638038

55°48'55" N, 26°27'25.9" E