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Latvia Riga Latgales priekšpilsēta Museum

Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum

Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum
About

The Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum offers a poignant and educational experience that commemorates the lives of Latvian Jews and documents the atrocities committed during World War II. Opened in 2010 and located near the historic boundaries of the former Jewish Ghetto in the Maskavas Forštate district, the museum occupies a 19th-century building surrounded by cobbled streets and wooden houses that have remained largely unchanged for decades. Its exhibitions trace the history of Jewish life in Latvia before the war, the horrors of the Nazi occupation, and the resilience of those who endured persecution. A memorial wall lists over 70,000 names of Latvian Jews who perished, alongside 25,000 victims deported from other European countries. The museum grounds include symbolic installations such as a cattle wagon and stones from the original ghetto streets, creating a deeply immersive environment. Operated by the Shamir community with support from the Riga City Council, the museum serves as both a remembrance site and a centre for tolerance, education, and cultural dialogue.

Riga Latvia
Location

The Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum is located at 2 Turgeneva Street, near the border of the former Jewish Ghetto in the historical Maskavas Forštate (Moscow Suburb) district of Riga. This evocative area is characterized by its small wooden houses, winding cobblestone streets, and a unique atmosphere shaped by its Jewish and merchant heritage. The museum occupies a 19th-century building and features outdoor exhibits, including a memorial wall inscribed with the names of over 70,000 Latvian Jews and 25,000 Jews from other European countries who perished during the Holocaust. Nearby, visitors can explore the Spīķeri creative quarter with its historic warehouses, the Daugava riverbank, and Riga Central Market, one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant markets. The museum’s location is within walking distance of the Old Town, making it accessible for those interested in Riga’s rich history and cultural landmarks. The area is easily reached by public transport and provides a poignant starting point for understanding the city’s Jewish heritage and the tragedies of the Second World War.

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