Rainis is a famous Latvian poet, translator, dramatist, and a public person. Rainis is a pseudonym of Jānis Pliekšāns. He was born in 1865 and died in 1929. He was married to Latvian poet Aspazija.
There are several spots in Riga, which are associated with Rainis.
First of all, it is a monument to Rainis, which is located in Esplanāde park, near Latvian Academy of Arts. It was oficially opened in 1965. The monument was created in honour of 100 year anniversary of Rainis birthday based on the sketches of the sculptor Karlis Zemdegi by his student Aivars Gulbis. The annual Days of poetry take place near the monument.
There is also Rainis and Aspazija summer house in Jūrmala. It occupies a very beautiful wooden art nouveau building in Jūrmala, build in 19th century. The house was recently renovated. Rainis and Aspazija lived there since 1927 till the death of the poet in 1929. The exposition is dedicated to both poets, it introduces to their life and work. The museum was open in 1949. It is possible to see here a private library of poets and a documentary video.
Besides that, there is also Rainis and Aspazija memorial house in Riga, located on Baznīcas street, 30. It is an example of wooden architecture in Riga. It was constructed in 1879. The poets lived here starting from 1926. The visitors can observe a partially renovated apartment of poets on the second floor. There is also a poet’s library.
There is also Rainis museum “Tadenava” in Dunava rural district, Jēkabpils region. This is the place, where the poet was born. The house was build by Rainis father in 1865. The area is very picturesque, there is a river Eglaine flowing nearby.
The last but not least is Rainis museum “Jasmuiža” in Aizkalne, Preiļi district. This estate was rented by Rainis father. The poet spent here his holidays when he was young. The museum’s exposition conveys an atmosphere of poet’s study years. Besides that, there is also possible to visit an exhibition of Latgalian ceramics representative for this region. Seasonas events take place here.