Jelgava Railway junctin is one of the oldest and most important railway junction in Latvia. Traffic on the Riga-Jelgava (Mītava) line was opened back in 1868, and since then, the significance of Jelgava Station has only increased. Jelgava Railway junction and its history tell more than just about the development and economic history of trains and railways; they tell of people who have invested their work and life in its development. The railwaymen of Jelgava have always taken pride in their work; therefore, on 24 December 1982, they founded a museum, which has persisted in the face of various political rule and changes.

The Latvian Railway History Museum exposition in Jelgava, Stacijas iela 3, is located in the railwaymen’s residential building built in 1904, at the time of expansion of the Moscow-Ventspils railway line and the first depot in Jelgava. Today, it is home to several locomotives and carriages found in the museum’s collection. The exposition not only exudes a historical atmosphere but also displays an array of items without which the work on railways would not be possible.

• RAILWAY AND RAILWAYMEN IN JELGAVA in the 1920s and 1930s: an exposition that offers insights in the history of Jelgava junction, Locomotive Depot and development of vehicle stations, as well as the people who have dedicated their work to railways of Jelgava: road workers, station personnel, depot repairmen and locomotive drivers.
• The main protagonist of the FROM SEMAPHORE TO CENTRALISED TRAFFIC CONTROL exposition is the station master. He is responsible for train traffic, the daily routine at the station and safety of passengers. His main tools of work are various devices, and his obligations are meticulously described in detailed instructions. The rest of the station personnel are his helpers, and the locomotive crew and employees of the neighbouring station, his associates. Passengers only see trains arriving at the station, while car drivers wait at the crossing for the train to depart. The answers to how trains travel from one city to another, how they avoid collisions, and how they know which tracks to take can all be found at the railway station.
• The outdoor exposition includes two draisines, locomotive wheelsets, pointsmen’s post, semaphore, signal lights and water pump. All the objects exhibited in the yard, including the prized clock built at the turn of the 20th century, which used to be located at Majori Station, have regained their former splendour after the recent restoration.

Additional Activities:

Films on the history of railways.

Cartoons and games for children about the safety on railways; an opportunity to draw something related to railways.

Railway model demonstrations.

Excursion to the former Jelgava Locomotive Depot with prior booking by calling to 63096494.

Souvenirs and books about railways.