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Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation: A Journey Through Time

Explore over 800 years of Riga's history and maritime heritage in the heart of Old Riga, the oldest museum in the Baltics!

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Explore Riga's captivating past at the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, the oldest public museum in Latvia and the Baltics, dating back to 1773. Located in the heart of Old Riga within the Riga Dome Cathedral ensemble, the museum showcases the city's evolution and maritime heritage across 16 exposition halls.

A brief summary to Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation

Local tips

  • Explore the Column Hall, a classicism-style hall dating back to 1778, which hosts historical exhibitions.
  • Check out the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and events to enhance your visit.
  • Consider a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the museum's extensive collections.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Old Riga, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is easily accessible on foot. Located at Palasta iela 4, it's near other major attractions. Simply navigate towards the Riga Dome Cathedral; the museum is part of the cathedral ensemble.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the museum via public transport, take a bus or tram to a stop in the Central District. Check local bus and tram schedules for routes heading to the city center. From the nearest stop (e.g., 'Rīgas pils'), walk towards Palasta iela. A single journey ticket costs approximately €1.50 if purchased in advance or €2.00 from the driver. Options include trams 5 and 7 or bus 22.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Riga. A taxi ride to the museum from within the city center typically costs around €6, with a starting fare of €2.50 and a per-kilometer charge of €0.70. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and MOBI are also popular. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation

Delve into the captivating history of Riga and its maritime legacy at the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. Established in 1773, it stands as the oldest public museum in Latvia and the Baltic States, and one of the oldest in Europe. Housed within the architecturally significant Riga Dome Cathedral ensemble in Old Riga, the museum offers an immersive journey through more than 800 years of the city's development. The museum's rich collections originated from the art and natural sciences collection of Riga doctor Nikolaus von Himsel. Today, the museum boasts over 500,000 items, organized into 80 collections, including ancient Latvian ornaments, tools, weapons, and a 13th-century "Riga ship". Explore exhibits detailing Riga's time as an ancient port, its role in the Hanseatic League, and periods of Polish and Swedish rule. Discover unique artifacts such as weights and measures from the Hanseatic League, the sword of the Riga executioner, and the world's smallest photo camera MINOX. The museum also features items from Riga silversmiths and "Lielais Kristaps" (Great Kristaps), one of Riga's ancient wonders. The Column Hall, built in the Classicism style in 1778, hosts conferences and a historical 18th-19th centuries exhibition. The museum also has three branch locations: the Museum of Ainaži Naval School in Ainaži, Mentzendorff's House, and the Latvian Museum of Photography.

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