This museum dedicated to the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia display various exhibits of atrocities committed against the people of Latvia and the systematic destruction of their nation's sovereignty by these former superpowers. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the intolerable living conditions of Siberian labour camps and see firsthand how Latvians managed to keep their spirits up in this frozen wasteland. A completely new wing opened in June 2022 and is also worth exploring. Exhibits are available in English and Latvian, but guided tour of the museums are also available.
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (1940 - 1991)
Open
Open 10:00-18:00.
Comments
JZ
Excellent museum that details the history of Latvia. Highly recommended...however was closed for renovation when we visited in March, 2014. (It has temporarily moved to Raiņa bulvāris - RIYP)
Lance Grundy
This is a must-see for anyone visiting the Latvian capital. Located smack-bang in the centre of town, just in front of the House of Blackheads, this grey slab of Soviet concrete sticks out like a sore thumb from the picturesque buildings that surround it.The museum tells the story of the so-called 'Three Occupations of Latvia' when, between the years of 1940 and 1991, Latvia was occupied firstly by the Soviet Union, then Nazi Germany, then the Soviet Union again. The museum’s collection includes photographs, letters, diaries and numerous other personal artefacts and eyewitness accounts that recall the executions, deportations, repression and hardship suffered by the Latvian people under the Soviet and Nazi regimes. Some of the exhibits are in English but you really need either an audio guide or a personal guide to fully appreciate the content. There’s a good museum shop too that sells a wide range of books and DVDs many of which are in English. The staff working throughout the museum are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Anyone who wants to gain even the most superficial understanding of modern day Latvia and its people needs to spend some time here. Oh, and as another reviewer points out below, this museum is free so, if you can afford it, please have the courtesy to leave a donation on your way out.
Brian
Very interesting and important museum about a tragic era of Baltic history.The museum is free, so be as kind as to leave a donation at the exit.
Eric Dobbs
Very unique perspective of Latvian / European history! Highly recommend!!! Eric DobbsSan Diego
Arquata
Can be interesting to get to know about Latvian culture and history what was undercovered. BUT! Your time in museum will depend on translator who will tell you about everything you see. Don't let it take forever.