Noticeable changes await visitors of Rundāle Palace – outstanding acquisitions forming part of the main exhibition and four reconstructed display rooms that will be open from 25 May. Two of the aforementioned – in the private apartments of the duke. Authentic 18th century sitz-bath and other peculiar household items are on display in the Duke’s Bathroom. The Hunting Room is decorated by paintings of prominent artists, trophy antlers, hunting weapons and goblets of 17th and 18th century. Silver goblet once presented to the Duke of Courland Ernst Johann by the King of Poland Augustus II will be on display for another year.
The exhibit of decorative arts From the Gothic Style to Art Noveau has been supplemented by another two historic styles of art – Empire style and Biedermeier. Rundāle Palace Museum is justly proud of this display being the only one in Latvia that provides so comprehensive insight into the development of decorative arts in Europe since 15th century. Many exhibits are the only representations of some group of objects in Latvia, and many speak of the excellence of old artisans of Latvia.
As the current theme for this year is hunting, there will be two exhibitions on display at the entrance hall of the Palace starting from 25 May: Hunting Through the Eyes of the Artists and display of trophy antlers (in cooperation with Zemgale Forest District).