The nature museum "Vides labirints" (Labyrinth of the Environment) will cease its operations on November 1 of this year — with this statement, the Verners family, which has supported the work of the local nature museum in Aluksne for 30 years, announced on social media, according to TV3.
Thirty years ago, Evalds and Aldis Verners realized their dream of creating a nature museum through their joint efforts. Its foundation was built on personal collections that were supplemented year after year. As reported by the portal staburags.lv, Aldis Verners began collecting stones in childhood — when he laid out the pebbles and shells he had gathered in his pockets on the table, the first collection was born.
However, in early October, the Verners officially announced the cessation of the museum's activities. "We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts who has been with us on this wonderful journey!" — reads a post on Facebook. "We are glad that over the past 30 years we have been able to popularize the name Aluksne both in Latvia and in many other countries."
The Verners family emphasized that they will keep in their hearts the kind words, enthusiasm, joy, and inspiration that visitors brought. "May the beauty of nature continue to inspire each of you!"
Facebook users expressed regret over the decision to close the museum, noting that they cannot imagine the city without this unique place, which has been infused with soul and heart. The residents of Aluksne take pride in the fact that it has always been a place to show to the city's guests.
The museum also refuted the opinion that, being located in the premises of the New Castle of Aluksne, it was supposed to pay "only" for utilities. The publication states that in 2024, the museum's payments to the municipality for rent and utilities amounted to nearly 7000 euros (6879.81 euros). Moreover, the winter was relatively warm. Additionally, the maintenance of the museum included direct expenses — about 3000 euros. "To operate the museum for a year, about 10,000 euros is needed, excluding salaries and taxes," the Verners explained, emphasizing that the municipality is not "evicting" the museum. The decision was made because the museum is unable to cover the expenses. Unfortunately, moving to another location is currently impossible — there are no suitable options.
The municipal administration also responded to public discussions about why the municipality does not support the museum. In a comment under the museum's publication on Facebook, it explained that indeed from 2013 to 2022, the museum did not pay rent, only for utilities. However, since the Latvian Society for the Protection of Nature and Monuments (Latvijas Dabas un pieminekļu aizsardzības biedrība) no longer has the status of a public benefit organization since 2022, the municipality is legally not allowed to provide premises free of charge.
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