Two new permanent exhibitions have opened at Turaida Castle: "Eight Centuries at Turaida Castle" and "The Seventh Tower of Turaida Castle." The simultaneous opening of both exhibitions marks an important stage in the development of the museum, offering visitors a modern, multifaceted, and accessible view of the castle's history.
The exhibition "Eight Centuries at Turaida Castle," located on the second floor of the Main Tower, introduces visitors to the development of the castle from the 13th century to the present day. The foundation of the exhibition is based on historical and archaeological research. The project is designed as a multisensory space where history can be not only studied but also felt, heard, and experienced. The exhibition is divided into six thematic circles that gradually reveal different periods of the castle's history, telling stories about power, people, the environment, and key events of each era.
The authors of the exhibition note: "History holds many tangible testimonies, records of events, and legends. We deconstruct history, allowing the visitor to feel, touch, and see it from unusual perspectives in a brief anthropological and educational journey through the centuries."
In turn, the open-air exhibition "The Seventh Tower of Turaida Castle" opens access for the first time to the northern inner tower — one of the most important defensive structures of the 16th century. The exhibition discusses the development of military architecture, defensive systems, and the daily lives of people during a time when the threats of wars and technological progress significantly changed the medieval world.
"The walls of a medieval castle are not just architectural constructions. They hold the experiences, fears, knowledge, and the ability of people to adapt to the challenges of their time. The Seventh Tower of Turaida allows us to see how the development of technology and the need for protection influenced not only fortification but also the daily lives and thinking of people," emphasized the Deputy Director for Scientific Work of Turaida Castle, Doctor of Historical Sciences Viya Stikane.
Both exhibitions aim to create a modern and accessible museum space for a diverse audience. Visitors have access to audio stories in Latvian and English, texts in simple language, tactile elements, and 3D models for people with visual impairments. The exhibition in the Main Tower features tactile models of Turaida Castle, and in thematic zones, audio versions of materials can be listened to via QR codes.
To provide a deeper understanding of historical testimonies, the exhibitions use 3D models of museum items created by scanning original exhibits. Such solutions allow for the exploration of cultural heritage from different perspectives while preserving authentic museum values.
In the opinion of the editorial team, the new exhibitions in Turaida demonstrate how modern technologies can help reveal historical heritage in new ways and make it more accessible to a wider audience. The project is particularly valuable for its combination of scientific approach, interactive solutions, and attention to inclusivity, making the history of the medieval castle closer and more understandable to visitors of all ages.
