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Latvia Riga Centra rajons Museum

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

About

Located in central Riga, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia offers a powerful exploration of the country’s 20th-century history under two totalitarian regimes. Established in 1993, the museum documents the Soviet and Nazi occupations from 1940 to 1991 through a compelling collection of over 75,000 artefacts, personal testimonies, and multimedia exhibits. Its mission is to remember the victims, honour those who resisted, and remind the world of the crimes committed against the Latvian people. The museum’s modern, interactive exhibition—reopened in 2022 after a decade-long renovation—guides visitors through themes of repression, deportation, and resilience. Highlights include a reconstructed Gulag barrack and the adjacent Corner House, the former KGB headquarters. Operated by the Occupation Museum Association of Latvia, this state-accredited private institution serves as both a memorial and an educational centre, offering a sobering yet essential perspective on Latvia’s path to independence.

Riga Latvia
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Location

The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is located at Latviešu strēlnieku laukums 1, right in the heart of Riga’s Old Town. Its striking, modernist building stands out in Town Hall Square, just steps from the House of the Blackheads and the Latvian Riflemen Monument, making it highly accessible for visitors exploring central Riga. The museum offers a comprehensive and moving account of Latvia’s 20th-century history under Soviet and Nazi occupation, featuring extensive exhibits, personal testimonies, and multimedia displays. Nearby, you’ll find key attractions such as the Daugava River embankment, St. Peter’s Church, Riga Cathedral, and the bustling squares and historic streets of Old Riga. Its central location places it within easy reach of numerous cafés, shops, and other museums, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Latvia’s past and present.

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