About the Museum

A Museum at the Writer’s Homeplace

At the Juhan Liiv Museum, visitors can see the writer Juhan Liiv’s home farmstead and the permanent exhibitions “If I Were a Poet,” “Mind Tides / Mental Torments,” and “Mindscapes,” as well as the permanent exhibition “Kodavere – a Thumping Piece of a Parish,” which introduces the history and ethnic groups of the Kodavere parish.

Rarely has a single generation of a farming family contributed as much to Estonian cultural history as the Liiv brothers. The eldest of the brothers, Joosep (1852–1915), inherited the farm, whose management made it possible for the younger brothers to receive an education. Kaarel (1854–1883) moved across Lake Peipus to the Oudova area and died young. Elias Liiv (1857–1892) was the founder of brass bands and choirs in Alatskivi. Jakob (1859–1938) and Juhan Liiv (1864–1913) are the best known to the Estonian people. Jakob Liiv’s most productive creative years were spent in Virumaa, in Avispea and Väike-Maarja. Few people know that Jakob Liiv was also the mayor of Rakvere and the organiser of the construction of the theatre building. The youngest of the family, Juhan Liiv, is known to the entire Estonian nation.

History of the Museum

In 1962, the Estonian Literary Museum opened a memorial exhibition on the lives and work of Juhan and Jakob Liiv in the corner room of Oja farm, where Juhan Liiv last lived, and a commemorative plaque was mounted on the exterior wall of the house.
The Juhan Liiv Museum was established in 1988 in Oja farm, the writer’s home. The late 19th century barn dwelling was renovated, while the museum’s administrative building and exhibition house were built. Today the permanent exhibition comprises of several historical and contemporary buildings, as well as outdoor exposition “Juhan Liiv’s Mindscapes”.

In cooperation with the Peipsiääre Municipal Government and Alatskivi School, the museum participates in awarding the Juhan Liiv Poetry Award. Each spring, a recitation competition of Juhan and Jakob Liiv’s poetry and Liiv-inspired verse is held for school students. Since 2010, the award Estonian Writer has been presented jointly with the Juhan Liiv Club.