The Jelgava History and Art Museum named after G. Eliass was founded in 1818. The two exhibition halls house a large permanent memorial exhibition illustrating painter Gederts Eliass' (1887-1975) work and life. Jelgava was once widely known as the capital of Courland and Zemgalien Duchy, and the permanent exhibition, "Jelgava District in the Period of Courland and Zemgalien Duchy (1561-1795)" gives a taste what life was like in this region in the 16th-18th centuries. It consists of several collections featuring a range of coins, cups and other unique exhibits. The exhibition "A View to the History of Jelgava" shows Jelgava in ruins after World War II. The exhibition hall houses temporary exhibitions which change every month. The museum's art salon is open to anyone who wishes to buy the wonderful artistic creations of Jelgava artists |