“What Once Belonged to the People of Riga?” – Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation Invites Visitors to Museum Night

On May 23, Museum Night will take place across Latvia for the 22nd time. This year’s unifying theme is “The Adventure of an Object”, inspired by Rainis’ quote: “Even a rag was once a fine shirt”, reminding us that every object carries its own story and value.

At the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, this year’s Museum Night programme is titled “What Once Belonged to the People of Riga?”, inviting visitors to discover objects that, throughout different periods of history, formed part of the everyday lives, work, celebrations, and personal stories of Riga’s inhabitants.

During Museum Night, the museum will be open to visitors from 7:00 PM until midnight, with last admission at 11:30 PM. Admission is free of charge.

Throughout the evening, visitors will be able to explore the museum’s permanent exhibition and discover over 800 years of the history of Riga and navigation. The museum’s 12 exhibition halls feature unique historical artefacts, including ancient Latvian jewellery, tools and weapons, the 13th-century “Riga Ship”, Hanseatic League-era weights and measures, the Sword of the Riga Executioner, the world’s smallest camera MINOX, outstanding silverworks by Riga silversmiths, one of Riga’s legendary symbols – the Great Christopher – and many other remarkable exhibits.

During the event, visitors will also be able to take part in an activity organised by the museum’s cooperation partner Latvijas Loto, exploring museum collection objects depicted on the “Senatnes loterija” lottery tickets, while the first 300 participants will receive small surprise gifts. A special Latvijas Loto stand will also be available in the Column Hall, where visitors can learn more about the “Senatnes loterija” tickets. The public benefit goal of the “Senatnes loterija” is the preservation of Latvia’s cultural and historical heritage, with proceeds dedicated to preserving the Riga Cathedral Church and Monastery ensemble, where the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is also located. In this way, Museum Night visitors will have the opportunity not only to enjoy the cultural programme, but also to contribute practically to the preservation of an important cultural heritage site for future generations.

Meanwhile, maritime themes in the Riga Cathedral cloister will be represented this year by Novikontas Academy with a diverse programme of activities. Visitors will be able to try VR maritime simulations, learn how to tie sailors’ knots, take part in the game “SEA BATTLE”, and write their names using maritime signal flag symbols. Younger visitors will be able to enjoy a creative corner with sea-themed activities and colouring pages.

The special atmosphere of the evening in the Riga Cathedral cloister will be enhanced by artist Roberts Bāliņš’ sculptural installation “Adam & Eve”.

During Museum Night, the social media photo campaign #RīdziniekuLietas will also take place. By posting a photograph from Museum Night at the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, visitors will have the opportunity to win invitations to a guided museum tour.

The Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is the oldest public museum in Latvia and one of the oldest museums in Europe, with origins dating back to 1773. The museum is located in Old Riga within the remarkable Riga Cathedral ensemble, an architectural monument spanning the 13th–20th centuries, consisting of the cathedral church, the Gothic cloister, and the museum itself, whose pride is the Column Hall built in the 18th century in the Classical style on the site of the former monastery premises.

Additional information:
Education Department of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation
Phone: +371 67356676, +371 29128600