The restored Kārlis Ulmanis’ family home ‘Pikšas’ was granted museum status by the Ministry of Agriculture on 22 December 1993, and it has been part of the network of accredited museums for several years now.
On 4 September 1877, Lizete and Indriķis Ulmanis welcomed their third son Kārlis who later became a well-known politician. Kārlis spent his childhood in Pikšas. After finishing the Bērzmuiža Parish School, he continued his studies elsewhere, but later returned to his native village. This is a place where he drew energy and tried out the new agricultural machines with the help of his family members, creating a model farmstead in of the 1930’s. In 1993, the museum started operating in the restored home Pikšas of Kārlis Ulmanis, the founder and president of the Latvian State. The donations of the residents of Latvia made it possible to reconstruct the dwelling house Pikšas as it used to be before. A lot of energy and efforts were invested in the development of the museum by Guntis Ulmanis, its long-time manager and the grandson of Kārlis Ulmanis’ brother. He is also the author of the paintings on display at the museum. The museum was created as a farmstead from the 1930’s, which characterises the agricultural development of Latvia during this period of time. The exposition was dedicated to the life of K. Ulmanis, his ideas, contribution to the state, and his political activities. The birthday of K. Ulmanis is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of September in the large yard of Pikšas.
The thematically extensive exhibitions at the museum not only highlight the significance of Kārlis Ulmanis’ achievements in Latvian history but also provide an emotional perspective on ‘Pikšas’ as a symbol of the destinies of many family homes in Zemgale and Latvia.
On the expansive museum grounds, visitors can enjoy the Zemgale landscape, the charm of a rural homestead, relax in the garden, or admire the water lilies in the pond.
The museum also offers accommodation with a total of 26+7+2+3 beds. Additionally, there are facilities available for various events, including a hall and other museum spaces for activities and museum exhibitions.
