Ogre Municipality Cultural Spaces

“Kinostacija” (Cinema Station) is located at the Ķeipene railway station and includes the only preserved section of track from the former Rīga—Ērgļi railway line, an exhibition dedicated to the outstanding film director Sergei Eisenstein, historic cinema equipment, and a real marine navigation light signal as a tribute to Juris Podnieks. The site also features an environmental installation — a giant table dedicated to cinema greats. The table is six metres high, with two chairs beside it and a stylised porthole in the backrest of one chair. Stairs built into the table allow it to be used as a viewing platform.

“Kinostacija” originated when the “Arsenāls” film festival team and like-minded individuals travelled to Ķeipene, a place where carrier pigeons were once used for communication. Ķeipene has no cemeteries, churches, or pubs, but it does have a magnificent historic railway station where visitors can meditate with cinema greats, “call” Marilyn Monroe, Federico Fellini, and Luchino Visconti, learn about the history of cinema and the master of film language Sergei Eisenstein, or simply enjoy a slightly surreal sense of lost time.

The museum was established in 1998. Its permanent exhibition introduces visitors to the history of Birzgale Parish and its rich cultural heritage. Children can enjoy the Dwarf Park, which features solid-wood figures of dwarves and a family of hedgehogs.

2021. In Birzgale Parish’s Dwarf Park, an environmental object titled “Laiks” (“Time”) has been installed — a clock that serves as a unifying symbol and meeting place for the residents of Birzgale Parish. The clock features Latvian symbols; one side bears the Birzgale coat of arms, while the other displays the words “Mūsu mājas Birzgale” (“Our Home – Birzgale”), fostering a strong sense of belonging and local pride.

In the Antiquities Room of the Jumprava Culture House, visitors can explore the Jumprava Parish history exhibition, the collection of antiquities assembled by the room’s creator, Juta Paiča, as well as household items belonging to both ancient and more recent residents of Jumprava. Here, visitors can sense the breath of centuries past and discover testimonies of the nation’s history — tools, household items, musical instruments, furniture, books, and other objects that tell the story of historical events, everyday life, and human traditions from the Stone Age to the Soviet era.

If, amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, you wish to slow down and experience the calm spirit of antiquity, the Antiquities Room awaits you.

The Ciemupe Local History Room, opened to visitors in 2012, is located on the second floor of the Ciemupe Culture House. The exhibition is based on materials collected during the operation of a museum established in 1985 by the collective farm (kolkhozy) “Kopdarbs” to research the history of Ciemupe. The museum operated until the end of the 20th century, 90. during which time various old tools and household items, photographs, and recorded memories were collected. For many years, these materials were stored at the Ciemupe Culture House and were not accessible to the public. Following an initiative by the association Ciemupe Readers’ Club “Share the Joy”, the former cinema hall was renovated to establish the Local History Room. Today, the Ciemupe Culture House and library ensure that the collection continues to grow. The establishment of the Local History Room has also encouraged the organisation of educational and entertaining events in Ciemupe during Museum Night.

During the academic year, from September to June, the castle can be visited on Saturdays and Sundays only, by appointment. During the summer months, the castle is open to visitors every day, by appointment.

Suntaži Castle, which has survived to the present day in a reconstructed form, is currently used for educational purposes. Built in the 18th century, it was later modernised, giving it a Neo-Gothic appearance. After its destruction in 1905, the castle was restored by its last owner, Baron von Hanenfeld.

The castle’s premises house an exhibition on the history of the castle, the parish, and the school. Visitors also have the opportunity to climb the castle tower. The castle is an architectural monument of national significance.

Lielvārde’s ancient Latvian wooden castle is an ideal reconstruction of a 10th–13th century fortification, based on materials from archaeological excavations carried out at various sites across Latvia. Its creator, Agris Liepiņš, built the castle himself, beginning in 1997.

The castle grounds are enclosed by a defensive wall, behind which inhabitants could seek shelter in the event of an attack. At the centre of the site are several residential buildings, including the chieftain’s house with a council hall, a sacred stone, and a well, which was the most vital feature during a siege.

Since its opening in 1970, the Andrejs Pumpurs Museum in Lielvārde has been housed in the former Lielvārde Manor granary on the banks of river Daugava.
This is a place where visitors can learn about the Latvian national hero Lāčplēsis, author of the epic “Lāčplēsis”, Andrejs Pumpurs, as well as Lielvārde and the Lielvārde belt. Visitors can also briefly step into the roles of Lāčplēsis, Laimdota, or Andrejs Pumpurs, try tying the traditional Lielvārde belt, and take part in the dramatic battle between Lāčplēsis and the Dark Knight.