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National History Museum of Latvia: A Chronicle of Latvian Heritage

Explore Latvia's rich past at the National History Museum, showcasing artifacts from ancient times to today within the historic Riga Castle.

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The National History Museum of Latvia in Riga is the largest repository of Latvian material culture, tracing the nation's story from ancient times to the present. Located in Riga Castle, the museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, offering insights into Latvia's archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic heritage.

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Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events, as the museum hosts temporary displays and cultural programs.
  • Consider visiting on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 16.30–17.00 and on Thursdays 16.00–17.00 for free entry.
  • The museum is located in Riga Castle; enter from the Daugava Gate.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Dome Square in Riga's Old Town, walk northeast towards Pils laukums. The Riga Castle and the National History Museum of Latvia will be on your left, approximately a 5-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Riga International Bus Station, take bus 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 32, 38, 39, 43, 54, or 55 to the “11. novembra krastmala” stop. From there, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to the Riga Castle and the museum. A single ride ticket costs €1.15 - €1.81.

  • Taxi

    From Riga city center, a taxi ride to the National History Museum of Latvia at Riga Castle takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is €5-10. Ride-sharing apps like Bolt are also available.

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Discover more about National History Museum of Latvia

The National History Museum of Latvia, founded in 1869, stands as a vital institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and promoting the spiritual and material culture of Latvia and the world. Housed within the historic Riga Castle since 1920, the museum's mission is to safeguard and interpret artifacts of archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic, historical, and artistic significance for the benefit of the Latvian nation. The museum's collections encompass over a million items, offering a comprehensive overview of Latvian history and culture. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring archaeological finds, historical documents, traditional clothing, and artwork that illustrate the evolution of Latvian society and its interactions with neighboring cultures. Multimedia presentations bring to life pivotal moments in Latvia's past, including the struggle for independence and the preservation of cultural identity. Currently, the museum occupies a partially restored section of Riga Castle, with ongoing efforts to expand its exhibition space. The museum plans to start full-fledged work in the Riga Castle in the second half of 2025 with three new, modern permanent exhibitions “Castles of Livonia”, “Sacral Art”, “History of the Riga Castle” and the opening exhibition “Streaming the Time”.

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