Jelgava Exhibition of Latvian Railway History Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away in a functional, red-brick station building on Stacijas iela, the Jelgava Exhibition feels less like a formal museum and more like stumbling into a wonderfully curated attic of Latvian travel. Its story is intrinsically tied to the city's own growth, as Jelgava's prominence was cemented by its position as a vital railway junction in the 19th century. You won't find sprawling halls here; instead, the charm lies in the intimate, almost personal collection that speaks to a nation's journey. It’s a place that captures the soot-and-steam romance of an era when the train was king.
Collection Highlights
The soul of the place is its meticulously restored locomotives and carriages standing just outside, including a solemnly beautiful Soviet-era diesel shunter. Inside, you're greeted by an evocative array of vintage tickets, heavy brass signal lamps casting warm glows, and beautifully preserved uniforms that still seem to hold the posture of their former occupants. Don't miss the detailed model railway; it’s a delightful miniature world that brings the entire network to life.
Visitor Information
It's compact enough for a rewarding visit in under an hour, making it a perfect detour while exploring Jelgava. Just check their opening hours online beforehand as they can be specific.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a no-nonsense, early 20th-century station building of classic red brick, its architecture is purely functional and charmingly unpretentious.
Contact & Location
Address: Latvijas Dzelzceļa vēstures muzejs, Jelgavas ekspozīcija, 3, Stacijas iela, Prospektu gals, Jelgava, LV-3001, Latvija
Phone: +371 20 034 850
Website: Visit Website