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Mentzendorff's House: A Glimpse into Riga's Merchant Past

Explore the meticulously restored home of a wealthy 17th-century Riga merchant, showcasing unique art and artifacts.

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Step back in time at Mentzendorff's House, a meticulously restored 17th-century merchant's home in Riga's Old Town. Explore the lives of wealthy Rigans through period furnishings, unique wall paintings, and exhibits detailing the city's rich cultural history.

A brief summary to Mentzendorff’s House. Rigans' house-museum

Local tips

  • Take a guided tour in English, German, or Russian for a more in-depth understanding of the house and its history.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • Visit the glass workshop to see artists at work and perhaps even try your hand at glassmaking.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Mentzendorff's House is located in the heart of Old Riga, easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Town Hall Square, walk along Grēcinieku iela. The museum will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    Riga's public transportation system includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Several routes stop near Old Riga. Check the Rigas Satiksme website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Riga. A short taxi ride within the city center will typically cost between €6-€10, depending on the distance and traffic. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Mentzendorff’s House. Rigans' house-museum

Mentzendorff's House offers a captivating journey into the world of a wealthy merchant family in 17th and 18th-century Riga. This architectural monument, dating back to 1695, provides a unique glimpse into the social and cultural traditions of the city's affluent citizens. The house is named after its last owners, the Mentzendorff family, whose shop once sold the finest coffee in Riga. The museum showcases fully restored period interiors, complete with original wall and ceiling paintings that evoke the atmosphere of the era. Visitors can explore various rooms, including the shop, kitchen, dance hall, chapel, and living quarters, each filled with furniture and artifacts from the collection of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. The romantic attic and historical basement vaults now serve as exhibition halls, displaying over 2,000 items related to the building's history and the lives of its former residents. Originally built for a German glazier, the house also maintains a connection to its past with a contemporary glass workshop where visitors can observe artists at work and even participate in the creative process. Mentzendorff's House stands as the only museum of its kind in the Baltic States, offering an immersive experience into the history and culture of Riga's merchant class.

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