Shmakovka Museum

About

Shmakovka Museum in Daugavpils is a lively and modern tribute to Latgale’s most iconic traditional drink—shmakovka, a strong homemade spirit deeply rooted in local culture. Opened in 2016, the museum blends history, folklore, and technology to tell the story of this centuries‑old craft, long associated with family celebrations, rural ingenuity, and regional identity. One of the museum’s most interesting features is its use of interactive multimedia, including holograms, animations, and digital displays that guide visitors through the entire production process—from grain selection to distillation. Authentic historical equipment, once used in Latgalian farmsteads, adds a tangible connection to the past. The exhibition also explores the social side of shmakovka: its role in hospitality, its appearance in local humour, and the strict regulations that shaped its production over time. Tastings, offered under controlled conditions, allow visitors to experience the drink’s distinctive character while learning about responsible consumption.

Daugavpils Latvia

Location

The Shmakovka Museum, officially the Latgalian Culinary Heritage Centre “Šmakovka”, is located in Daugavpils city centre at Rīgas iela 22A, inside the Unity House (Vienības nams), with the entrance from Unity Square in the heart of the Latvian city near the borders with Belarus and Russia. The museum is dedicated to šmakovka, a traditional homemade spirit from the Latgale region. It showcases the history, culture, and production of this drink through exhibits, old bottles, documents, photographs, tools, and a unique collection of music instruments. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings of šmakovka produced by a licensed local farm, making it a fun and interactive cultural experience. Nearby attractions include Unity Square itself, a central gathering place with the Daugavpils Theatre and the Latgale Zoo just a short walk away. The Daugavpils Tourist Information Center is also close by, as is the historic Church Hill (Baznīcu kalns) in the Jaunbūve district, where you’ll find the Orthodox St. Boris and Gleb Cathedral — Latvia’s largest Orthodox church — as well as the Protestant Martin Luther Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary.