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Žanis Lipke Memorial: A Testament to Courage

Honoring a Latvian hero who risked everything to save Jewish lives during WWII. A moving memorial and museum in Riga's Ķīpsala neighborhood.

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The Žanis Lipke Memorial in Riga honors Žanis Lipke, who saved over 50 Jews during WWII by hiding them in a bunker beneath his woodshed. The memorial offers a poignant look into the lives of those he rescued and stands as a symbol of courage and compassion.

A brief summary to Žanis Lipke Memorial

Local tips

  • The memorial is closed on Mondays. Check the website for the most up-to-date opening hours.
  • Consider combining your visit with a walk around Ķīpsala to admire the historic wooden architecture.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully experience the memorial and its exhibits.
  • Admission is free, but donations are welcome to support the memorial's work.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Riga city center, the Žanis Lipke Memorial is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head along Valdemāra iela and cross the Vanšu Bridge over the Daugava River. Turn right onto Balasta dambis and follow the road along the river. Turn left at the sign for the memorial after Balasta dambis 36. The memorial is at the end of the narrow street.

  • Public Transport

    From central Riga, take bus number 37, 41 or 53, or minibus 236, 237, or 241 to the 'Cathedral/Esplanade' stop. Alternatively, take trolleybus 12 or 25 from Valdemara iela, or trolleybus 9 from Old Town/Central Station. From Pārdaugava, buses 13, 30, 37, 41, 53, and 57, trolleybuses 5, 12, and 25, and minibuses 236, 237, and 241 will take you to the 'Preses Nams' stop. From either stop, follow the walking directions. A single public transport ticket costs approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    A taxi or ride-sharing service from the Riga city center to the Žanis Lipke Memorial costs approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic and time of day. Provide the driver with the address: Mazais Balasta dambis 9, Rīga. There is parking available near the memorial. Parking fees range from €1 to €2 per hour.

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Discover more about Žanis Lipke Memorial

The Žanis Lipke Memorial, located on Ķīpsala Island in Riga, is a tribute to the extraordinary bravery of Žanis Lipke, who rescued more than 50 Jews from the Riga Ghetto during World War II. Lipke, with the help of his family and a network of volunteers, smuggled Jews out of the ghetto and hid them in a specially constructed bunker beneath a woodshed next to his home. The memorial, opened in 2012, is located next to the site of Lipke's former home. The architecture of the memorial is striking, resembling a tarred black shed or an overturned boat, reminiscent of the sheds built by Ķīpsala fishermen. This design evokes the idea of shelter and rescue, mirroring Noah's Ark. The memorial features three levels, interconnected by an open shaft. The basement contains a replica of the original bunker, a cramped 3x3 meter space where eight to twelve people huddled for extended periods. Visitors can view the bunker from above, gaining a perspective on the conditions endured by those in hiding. The first floor houses a sukkah, a fragile wooden structure symbolizing the temporary shelters used by the Israelites after their liberation from Egypt. The attic level provides a vantage point to observe both the bunker and the sukkah, encouraging reflection on the past and the importance of individual choices. The Žanis Lipke Memorial is more than just a museum; it is a place for remembrance, education, and exploration of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder of the importance of courage, compassion, and the desire for freedom in the face of adversity.

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