Ceramic Laboratory

About

The Ceramic Laboratory in Daugavpils is a dynamic creative space located within the vast Daugavpils Fortress complex, closely connected to the city’s strong ceramic traditions. It forms part of the broader art ecosystem surrounding the Rothko Centre, offering professional facilities for artists working with clay, glazes, and experimental firing techniques. The laboratory has become a meeting point for Latvian and international ceramicists, fostering collaboration and innovation. One of its most interesting features is the presence of multiple firing methods, including electric, gas, and wood‑fired kilns, as well as a traditional anagama‑style kiln used during special workshops. These allow artists to explore a wide range of textures and colours, from refined porcelain surfaces to dramatic smoke‑fired effects. The laboratory regularly hosts symposia and residencies, attracting creators from around the world who come to experiment with Latgale’s renowned ceramic heritage. The space also preserves the legacy of Latgalian pottery, a craft famous for its earthy tones, expressive forms, and symbolic ornamentation. Exhibitions and open‑studio events give visitors a chance to see both traditional techniques and contemporary interpretations side by side.

Daugavpils Latvia

Location

Ceramic Laboratory in Daugavpils is not a permanent museum building but an ongoing international ceramics symposium and exhibition program organized by the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre. The final exhibition of Ceramic Laboratory is held at the Rothko Museum, located at Mihaila 3 inside the historic Daugavpils Fortress in southeastern Latvia. The symposium also features an opening exhibition at 4METRI Gallery at Hospitāļa iela 8, just a short walk from the fortress. Ceramic Laboratory brings together artists from around the world for a residency and creative workshop in clay. For three weeks, fifteen artists work in Daugavpils, using the historic fortress architecture and the technical resources of the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics as a shared creative space. The final exhibition displays newly created ceramic works and is part of the 1st Latvia International Ceramics Biennale. Admission to all public events, including the opening exhibition, artist talks, and the final show, is free. Nearby attractions include the vast Daugavpils Fortress complex itself, with its preserved bastions, earthen ramparts, and green courtyards perfect for walking. Inside the fortress, you’ll find the Rothko Museum, the only place in Eastern Europe with original works by Mark Rothko, and the Mark Rothko Art Centre, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions and cultural programs.