Entries

Originality and creativity of the idea

The conceptual premise delivers a unique museum experience of the values of Latvian literature and music, embedding them in a humanly understandable and socially equal dialogue. The exhibition is conceived as a non-linearly experienced book in space, in which chronological, generational, genre and geographic boundaries are deliberately blurred and removed. Each author's display is a structured unit in which the creative work is revealed through some form of procrastination and a centrally highlighted artefact.

The project offers a conceptually new view of creativity as a process in which the creators' human worlds are revealed — hobbies, habits and the paths of procrastination that become the route to creation.

The slow-museum approach, scenography as an autonomous system and the activation of various senses make it possible to enter into a direct, personal dialogue with the exhibition's content. Interactions expand the layers of its reception, while respect for historical details delivers a comprehensive, unique experience of the space.

Definition of the problem and the relevance of the applied solutions

The exhibition addresses contemporary society by foregrounding procrastination as the lived experience of an era, in an accelerated, productivity-oriented environment. It offers an alternative perspective in which deceleration, doubt and hesitation become a precondition for creativity, thereby resonating with society's need for emotional balance.

The exhibition reveals the human worlds of writers and musicians. It is easier for visitors to identify with the museum's 'heroes' and to perceive artists as multifaceted personalities rather than idealised objects of veneration. This also strengthens a sense of belonging to the national culture.

The exhibition is also a resource for the urban environment and the cultural economy — an internationally understandable theme of creativity attracts diverse audiences and activates the museum as a public meeting place. It demonstrates a contemporary model of heritage interpretation, supporting the professional development of the sector and a positive public resonance.

Co-creation, stakeholder involvement and cooperation during the realisation process

From the very beginning, the core of the exhibition has been shaped and sustained by a community of practice — professionals who participate in defining the interpretation rather than merely executing it. The involvement of the creative community took place from concept through to realisation and continues through ongoing programming. The museum takes both the role of expert and that of mediator engaging the community. This is especially significant given that the museum has been without a permanent exhibition for more than 25 years.

The exhibition was developed in dialogue with representatives of the creative sector and the museum's researchers. Several years of research, the selection of museum objects and their preparation for display were carried out in close cooperation with the scenographer. The interior designers, with great respect for the building's history, created spaces convenient for the museum's needs and supportive of the exhibition. Through co-creation came the space for the museum, the exhibition's concept, structure and dramaturgy, the design of scenography, technology, interactivity, sound, accessibility, the concept of texts and graphic design, as well as the integrated realisation of the project.

Functionality and technological solutions

The exhibition extends across all floors of the building. In the basement, a space for children encourages exploration of the world of sound and music-making; the attic is dedicated to events; the ground floor houses a café and culinary workshops. Each floor has its own sanitary facilities, a lift and seating. Pictograms indicate interactive objects.

Visitors are not required to follow a set sequence; the emphasis is on intuitive route-finding and individual pace. Navigation is provided by the names of the rooms — these reveal forms of procrastination that connect the figures grouped within. The names given to the floors reference book chapters — prologue, chapters, epilogue.

Originals are displayed in integrated showcases, alternating with copies and facsimiles. The experience is enriched by interactive objects, sound and aromatic ambience, with lighting preserving an intimately tranquil atmosphere. Multimedia includes individual audio listening, monitors with archival video, video projections and holograms. A poetic audio guide continues the interpretation of the content in a literary and musical language.

Aesthetics and other experiential dimensions

In the scenographic installations, what matters most is the conceptual completeness of each story, without emphasising a hierarchy of originals, copies and props. The environment is purposefully built to be emotionally rich. Light and shadow direction, audiovisual elements and the sound track create mood; interactive objects allow the message to be unfolded through engagement, while a poetic audio guide provides an additional layer of experience. Texts are kept short and concentrated.

The interior continues the tactile experience of the space, foregrounding natural and rough materials. The walls are covered in an uneven lime plaster. The colour palette is set by dark-grey tones alternating with details of aged wood, the geometric pattern of tiles, brass accents and the textures of various fabrics. Historical details have been integrated — restored wall paintings and brickwork. Particular accents are the historical staircase, columns and entrance doors. In the attic, the historical ceiling beams have been restored; the space has gained breadth and is used for events. The experience continues in the inner courtyard with wall paintings by Helēna Heinrihsone.

Economic significance, sustainability and circularity

The exhibition is a long-term cultural site that strengthens cultural memory and identity by foregrounding the inheritability of creativity as an unbroken process, and it allows for the development of new research and interpretation perspectives. A human-centred view of heritage is woven together with issues relevant to society — environmental responsibility, gender equality, the reduction of inequality and mental health resilience.

The museum extends the accessibility of Old Riga's cultural-historical sites, providing an ordered environment with valuable content that positively represents the image of Old Riga. The carefully restored historical architectural and interior details also help to better see the history of the building itself and of the architecture along Mārstaļu Street.

In the scenography, reused and long-lasting materials, energy-efficient lighting and low-maintenance solutions are employed. The exhibition supports education and co-creation activities, strengthening the museum as a stable site for social and cultural encounter.

Social relevance, inclusion, availability and accessibility

The project positions heritage as a living experience that gains topicality through dialogue with society. The linking of themes to issues important for society's resilience — especially wellbeing and health, socialisation and the environment — allows the exhibition to serve as a starting point for discussions and new formats of cooperation. The substantive message reveals creativity as a shared, socially meaningful process accessible to everyone. The environment created in relation to the fast pace of life offers a healthy alternative — to slow down, to create and to live consciously.

The building is adapted for visitors with mobility impairments; a lift and adapted sanitary facilities are available. Large-print texts, additional lighting and individual sound solutions are provided. The offer covers all age groups, with special consideration for the future cultural audience — children and young people. The children's zone provides a safe environment — soft floor coverings and furniture reduce the risk of injury, while bright colours encourage active engagement. A separate cloakroom is adapted for children's groups.

Link to video or other link