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The exhibition's content is structured around the three facets of Liepāja's development during this period: “Liepāja Manufactures,” “Innovative Liepāja,” and “Liepāja Manages.”

“Liepāja Manufactures” is dedicated to the city's industrialization, opening new enterprises, and economic prosperity. “Innovative Liepāja” tells the story of new and progressive things, displaying inventions and architectural achievements that highlight the abilities and courage of Liepāja's citizens and introduce innovations to modernize economic processes. “Liepāja Manages” presents Liepāja's bustling daily life, diverse offers, crafts, and trade.

The exhibition will present original historical evidence from more than 45 factories and 31 trading companies, such as “Böcker & Co,” the workshops of the Military Port, the Liepāja leather factory “Korona,” the Jāzeps Paškus candy factory, the bicycle factory “Līva,” JSC “Pluto,” “Hozias Mau,” JSC “A. Lippert”, and Joh. Elke Libau. The oldest exhibited object is the Liepāja city fire bell, which was cast in 1873 at the F. E. Harmsen Ironworks.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Liepāja grew from a small provincial town into a beautiful and modern city with a developed international port, an ambitious railway junction, well-thought-out urban industrial planning, and a popular resort and recreational area.

This era is considered a time of significant changes, which not only influenced and changed the course of Latvian history's future development but also was crucial for the image of Liepāja. One of the reforms that most directly affected every city resident was the adoption of the Russian Imperial City Statute in 1870, which led to the election of the first city council in 1877.

The city's reform coincided with rapid and beneficial changes in Liepāja's economic sphere, specifically in trade and industry. The repeated reconstruction of the harbor transformed Liepāja into a city with a modern and well-equipped entrepot, which contributed to developing a significant industrial hub.

The Liepāja–Romny railway, opened in 1876, connected the city with the extensive All-Russian railway network, improving overland traffic and expanding Liepāja's connections with the Inner-Russian provinces. This not only resulted in the vast development of the economic sector but also contributed to a rapid increase in the population's mobility, diversifying the city center and its cultural sphere.

The exhibition from the Liepāja Museum's collection, “Bustling Liepāja,” will be on display at the Liepāja Museum, 16/18 Kūrmājas Avenue, until June 29, 2025.

Please note that photography and video filming will occur during the event. The footage will be used to promote the event and the Liepāja Museum. By being present at the venue, you acknowledge that you are aware of being included in the audio or visual material.

Attached are publicity photos from the Liepāja Museum collection: Harmonium production in Juris Bokums harmonium factory in Liepāja. 1932 (LM 55623)

Ieva Sila,
Liepāja Museum historian
Tel: +371 63422961
E-mail: ieva.sila@liepaja.lv
https://www.liepajasmuzejs.lv/lv/lm/