An interactive exhibition dedicated to the history of Old Valmiera that tells the story of the city's five centuries of history from the 13th-18th century.

The five themes of the exhibition are arranged in two buildings - the city's oldest building and its new glazed annex. In the new building as a museum showcase three themes are arranged creating clear contrast with the former Valmiera's castle's historical substance. The exhibition elements are laconic, interpreting the dimensions of the medieval brick, and integrating analogue and digital information into them.

In the historical building, two themes in the form of interpretive stories encompass the history of the city, culture and habits of citizens, as well as the presence of Church authorities in the medieval city. Technologies are used, leaving space for the visitor's own imagination. The balance between analogue and digital means of expression is vital, engaging the visitor in the process of discovering content.

Accessibility and inclusive design are cornerstones of the exhibition, complemented by the challenge of creating an exhibition in five languages. The solution was to create an interactive city key with which to activate languages and information at 47 interactive points. The keycard is an interpretation of the historical keys found in archaeological digs and became the basis for interaction, transforming visitors from passive observers into explorers.

The exhibition has a specially designed collection of furniture, along with exhibition elements and individually designed interactions that introduce medieval cooking, travellers' stories and clothing habits. Here the bench is not merely a bench, but also informs about the types of Medieval measures. The creative aspect of the exhibition was to transform facts into stories, stories into ideas, and ideas into a quality visiting experience, allowing visitors to discover information for themselves.

The visitor is an active explorer, discovering the story of Valmiera - the world views, the splendour of Hanseatic merchants and the skills of artisans are revealed here through sound, Gregorian chants, projections of the shadows of ancient images, drawings in monotype and many artefacts. Design accentuates each theme, for example, for the story of the Church life and monks, the elements of the room are designed as an interpretation of the scriptorium of Middle Ages.

The exposition is simultaneously open and mysterious. Intriguing and full of possibilities. It offers personalized information, placing visitors and their needs centre stage, so that time spent at the exhibition is both inspiring and informative. Treating the historical substance with respect, the new materials establish a lasting synergy, ensuring that the City of Valmiera has an inspiring story to share with present and future generations. The exhibition has been created using materials that are eternal and ageless: printed Corian, mass-painted MDF, metal, leather etc.