Cabinets of Stories at Pelči Manor

At the beginning of the 20th century, Prince Michael von Lieven carefully assembled the library of Pelči Manor, building a collection of around 6,000 volumes. Although none of his books remain here today, the library’s authentic interior has been preserved. To restore the room’s original purpose, the interactive exhibition “Cabinets of Stories” has been created. Once again, the bookshelves are filled with books—this time symbolic ones, each containing stories about the history of both Pelči Manor and Pelči Parish.

The interactive exhibition “Cabinets of Stories” introduces visitors to the history of Pelči Manor and Pelči Parish through light projections and audio narratives.

The historic library of Pelči Manor is the only preserved library of its kind in Latvia. Visitors can admire not only the historic library space but also its unique oak interior and the original central heating system, through which warm air once circulated via concealed openings built into the bookcases.

As part of the project “Restoration of the Staircase in the Historic Library of Pelči Manor and the Creation of the ‘Cabinets of Stories’ Exhibition”, the library’s wooden spiral staircase was carefully restored and the permanent exhibition “Cabinets of Stories” was established. The interactive exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore not only the historic library itself but also the wider history of Pelči Parish. While listening to the audio guide’s stories about the history of Pelči Manor and the parish, visitors can also enjoy striking light and shadow projections displayed across the library’s ceiling.