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Latvian Museum of Photography

Latvian Museum of Photography
About

The Latvian Museum of Photography in Riga is the country’s only institution dedicated exclusively to the art and history of photography. Established in 1993 and housed in a historic 16th-century merchant building, the museum offers a compelling journey through Latvia’s photographic heritage. Its permanent exhibition traces the development of photography from 1839 to 1940, featuring vintage cameras, glass plates, and rare images that illuminate both technical evolution and cultural context. The museum also hosts contemporary exhibitions by Latvian and international artists, fostering dialogue between past and present. Highlights include the Strenči Photo Workshop collection, recognized by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, which documents everyday life in Latvia from the 1920s to the 1950s. Now temporarily located at Kronvalda Boulevard 4, the museum continues to serve as a vibrant space for research, education, and visual storytelling. It invites visitors to explore photography not just as documentation, but as a powerful medium of memory and meaning.

Riga Latvia
Location

The Latvian Museum of Photography is currently located at Kronvalda Boulevard 4 in Riga, having moved here in early 2024 from its former site on Mārstaļu Street. It is housed in a modernized building within the Latvian Academy of Arts, which provides a versatile cultural space for exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs related to photography. This museum holds an extensive collection of nearly 70,000 photographic items, including historic glass plates, negatives, and equipment, focusing on the development of photography in Latvia from the 19th century to contemporary works. Nearby, visitors can explore several cultural landmarks within Riga’s city center, such as the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Latvian Museum of National History, and the Riga Film Museum, all contributing to the rich artistic and historical atmosphere of the area. The location makes it an accessible and vibrant spot for those interested in photography and the arts.

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