At the Koidula Museum Garden Gallery
From July 5, 2026

The inspiration and primary source for this exhibition is the family's correspondence. Formatted as eight medical case histories, the display provides an overview of each family member's health and the conditions that afflicted them.

The field of medicine likely received more than average attention in the Jannsen family. This was because Lydia's husband Eduard Michelson, Eugenie's husband Heinrich Rosenthal, and the youngest brother Eugen Jannsen had all studied medicine at the Imperial University of Tartu. The family's medical history spanned generations: Emilie's mother Mrs. Koch, as well as Lydia, Eugenie, and the youngest brother Eugen, all suffered from and tragically succumbed to cancer. Epilepsy, present in the Koch family, affected Leopold and Julius. During their days in Pärnu, the family's daily life was overshadowed by the frailty and resulting mood swings of the mother, Emilie. Papa Jannsen was struck by a stroke while still in the prime of his life.

"Sometimes it felt as if various diseases and miseries had set up camp among us. Worries of life and heart constantly ruled the house," Lydia Koidula noted, perhaps with a touch of tragedy. Although the 19th century laid the foundation for medical science in the modern sense, the Jannsen family's story proves that nothing can replace compassion, human connection, and family support.

Curator: Kristiina Vunk
Designer: Indrek Aija

Pärnu Muuseum 2026