Rothko Museum to present Rothko as a bridge between generations, experiences, and continents
The Rothko Museum stand at the Balttour 2026 exhibition will offer a quiet space for reflection on the lasting impact of Rothko’s creative genius, while also providing an exclusive preview of the museum’s 2026 exhibition program, which promises remarkable encounters with outstanding Latvian and international artists.
The visual and conceptual framework of the Rothko Museum stand will be shaped by the idea of a bridge, symbolically connecting Rothko’s birthplace, Daugavpils, with developments on the global art scene. A specially created installation for Balttour will allow visitors to sense and experience the richly layered impact of Rothko’s painting and enjoy a moment of calm amid the vibrant atmosphere of the fair. At the same time, visitors will be able to learn about the key highlights of the Rothko Museum’s 2026 exhibition program and plan their museum visit in advance.
The highlight of the 2026 exhibition program will be the rotation of original works by Mark Rothko in the museum’s permanent exhibition. Five large-scale original works, previously unseen in Latvia, from the Rothko family collection will be presented to the public, offering a comprehensive insight into the artist’s creative evolution throughout his lifetime—from early figurative paintings to the legendary color field paintings of his mature years.
In addition to the rotation of Rothko originals, the Rothko Museum will present exhibition projects by prominent Latvian artists such as Ieva Iltnere, Iveta Vecenāne, Imants Klīdzējs, and Iveta Laure in 2026. Visitors will also be surprised by an outstanding selection of international artists from Europe, Africa, and Asia—from the pioneer of British Expressionism Terry Frost, French 20th-century master Yves Brayer, and South African photography legend Roger Ballen, to modern art from China and Pakistan.
The Rothko Museum in Daugavpils is one of the most renowned and impressive cultural tourism destinations in the Baltic region. The pride of the museum’s core exhibition is a selection of original works by world-famous artist Mark Rothko, born in Daugavpils — currently the only permanent exhibition of Rothko’s works in Europe that traces the development of his art throughout his entire creative life.The museum’s temporary exhibition program is organized in four seasons, offering visitors around 30 high-quality art projects each year that provide insight into the most current trends in Latvian and international art.
