Latvian War Museum

Riga, Latvia

The Latvian War Museum is a war museum in Riga, Latvia. It began as the Riflemen Museum in 1916 during World War I. The building that houses the museum was erected in the years from 1937 to 1940. The mission of the War museum is to save collective, historical memory of the nation about political and military history of Latvia, the influence of the military conflicts (especially 20th century World Wars) on the destiny of the nation and the reflection of these conflicts consequences, the historical character of Latvian soldiers and the popularization of the state defence system.

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Address

Smilšu iela 20, Riga, Latvia
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Details

Founded: 1916
Category: Museums in Latvia
Historical period: Part of the Russian Empire (Latvia)

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Chandeboy Maglinte (49 days ago)
This fascinating museum is located in the heart of Riga's Old Town. Admission is free, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it spans up to the third floor, with a well-curated and detailed concept. If you're interested in Latvia's military history, the War Museum in Riga is definitely worth a visit.
Kristýna Vacardová (2 months ago)
Mostly the exhibitions in the museum were very ordinary, except for one (the WWI) was truly modern and captivating. But the entry is free, so that's one star more and makes it a place you should see when you don't know what to do in Riga.
KOSTANTINOS PATSONAS (4 months ago)
On the museum there are three floors, the first floor is devoted general to uniforms and military medical. The second is devoted on first world War having the most artifacts, weapons, letters, pictures, videos. The third is devoted on the world War II but doesn't have some many artifacts like the first one. Overall it's a interesting war museum and for sure you are going to spend 1,5 hours or more.
Amir Ali (5 months ago)
Beautifully Preserved and demonstrate the Tribute to LATVIAN HERO’s of World War 1 and World War 2 and also Ukraine & Russia ongoing war. Browsing through the Riga street and came across this Museum! Absolutely Free to walk in. Didn’t realise it’s big but this place is huge. Multiple stories with full of Latvian War history. Must need couple of hours to go through the whole place. Definitely recommend spot if you are interested in History,War,Latvian History.
Chaitali Mandal (6 months ago)
Visiting the Latvian War Museum in Riga was a deeply immersive experience that brought Latvia's complex military history to life. Housed in a historic tower within the Old Town, the museum offers a chronological journey through Latvia's conflicts, from medieval battles to the World Wars and Soviet occupation. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, featuring authentic artifacts like uniforms, weapons, and personal letters that vividly portray the struggles of Latvian soldiers. The section on Latvia's fight for independence is particularly moving, showing the resilience of a nation determined to maintain its sovereignty. The museum’s atmosphere is solemn yet engaging, with multimedia displays and detailed narratives that captivate history enthusiasts. The staff were knowledgeable and willing to provide insights, enhancing the experience. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in military history or understanding Latvia's past and its impact on the present. The visit left me with a deep respect for the country's enduring spirit.
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