[1919] www.zudusilatvija.lv Jaunmoku Manor’s (also referred to as ‘castle’ or ‘palace’) Neogothic style is in perfect harmony with its Art Nouveau features, placing it among the architectural greats of Latvia.
The building (ca.1901), initially intended as a hunting lodge for Riga Mayor George Armitstead, is located outside the city of Tukums (Kurzeme). The design master is the Baltic-German architect Wilhelm Boxlaff. Among the interior features are a Dutch tile wood stove-heater with paintings of the well-known Riga panorama.
Forest Museum
Today, the Manor houses the Forest Museum, with its permanent collection containing detailed information on Latvian forestry and game hunting, and the Latvian Signs Center (Latvju Zīmju centrs), where all are welcome to create a sign of your very own. Here you can taste-test herbal teas, and embark on thematic tours, like, “Dwarf’s Little Schoolhouse” or a special one for newlyweds.
Latvian Signs Center
Those visiting the Center can take the opportunity to design their personal, individual sign, or entwine two for a unified one - which may resemble a readily seen and used Latvian symbol, like Jumis, Māra, Laima, Moon sign. The ornamentation created is labyrinthine, something akin to the pattern of the famous Lielvārde woven waist belt. The guided tours focusing on various themes are for families, collectives, and individual visitors.
Sample and enjoy herbal teas
While visiting the Manor, take time to sample the various teas made from herbs grown in the garden, and their healing power. The same applies to a number of health elixirs available. A guide can guide you through this “world” privately, but please call to reserve.
Banquets held here
Jaunmoku Manor is one of the best options for an elegant soiree, particularly popular with young couples “tying the knot.” The territory has comfortable lodging (the former stables) and ample event space.
www.latvia.travel/en
Jaunmoku Palace in Tume parish, Tukums region, LV-3139
+371 26187442, +371 63107125
info@jaunmokupils.lv
Museum
Open daily
from 09:00 till 17:00
Hotel
Working time
around the clock
Restaurant
Mon. – Tue. – Restaurant is closed
Wed. – Thue. 10:00 – 19:00
Fri. – Sat. 9:00 – 20:00
Sun. – 9:00 – 19:00
History of Palace
The name Jaunmokas was first mentioned in documents back in 1544. The oasis of romance and serenity — the Jaunmokas Palace — was built here much later in 1901. Even though, in comparison with other famous rivals of Latvia, the Jaunmokas Palace is still a young lady, but it has already earned a special place on the list of Latvian architectural masterpieces.
The “stylist” of the young lady was the architect Wilhelm Bockslaff (1858-1945). The palace was designed as the hunting lodge for the mayor of Riga George Armitstead (1847-1912), boasting a combination of Neo-gothic shapes and Art Nouveau elements.
George Armitstead became the owner of the Jaunmokas Palace from 1885 (some sources say 1892). After the death of his father, he took over the Rindzele manor estate and sold the Jaunmokas Palace to the Brinkens family.
From 1910–1918 the palace belonged to the von Ungern-Sternberg family, followed by the agriculturist family of German origin — the Wilhelm Freymann family. This was the last wave of aristocratic relaxation to take place at the estate. After the agrarian reform in 1920, the Jaunmokas Palace (1394 ha) was split up. The Manor centre remained the Freymann family property, whereas the household buildings and land was rented. In 1929, the palace was used as a centre of rehabilitation of children “Cīrulīši” of the Riga Municipality.
During World War II, the palace was used by both the Russian and German army. At the beginning of the war, a Russian sergeants’ school was set up there, but in the later years of the war — German war hospital.
After the war, the palace was used for Soviet offices, community centres, shops and apartments. Everybody wanted to settle in these premises, but nobody did any repair works. In 1974, the Ministry of Forestry and Forest Industry of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic took over the partly destroyed palace building. Renovation works started and lasted for more than 20 years.
Since 1992, the palace was managed by the State Hunting Administration (Valsts medību saimniecība), but, since 2000, the state joint stock company “Latvijas Valsts Meži”.
www.jaunmokupils.lv