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

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Hong Zhang (16 months ago)
Great people and great staff. One can learn major events of Latvia history quickly by visiting this museum. It devotes an entire floor to the Battle for Ukraine. You see a collection of war items transported from Ukraine including a bullet-hole-filled truck right at the entrance.
David Jones (18 months ago)
Free entry. Lots of floors chronologically charting mainly the world wars. There are toilets and lockers as you can't take bags round. Loved the Ukraine photo exhibition of current troops. Lots of toy models of tanks and ships. Lots of old weapons. Good souvenir shop. Didn't see the point in the numerous stewards. War and medicine is at the bottom
Toxteth O' Grady (19 months ago)
Free museum that is well worth some of your time if in the Old Town. Major coverage of WW1 & the subsequent Latvian War of Independence. Not as in depth on WW2, though to be fair, the Latvians have acknowledged the population was somewhat split between backing the incoming Nazis (& even joining them in persecuting Jews) or fighting with the Soviets. Also an interesting current exhibition on the war in Ukraine, with captured Russian artifacts on display which were gathered by a team of photographers. Bags need to be put in a self service locker & you retain the key.
Atlas (19 months ago)
Reasonably large, very interesting, and absolutely free! Incredibly interesting museum about Latvian military history, including both world wars, and even a section on the top floor about the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. For anyone interested in military history you could spend hours looking at all of the exhibits. In addition the inside of the Powder Tower is part of the museum, there is a spiral staircase to the top floor which I recommend doing if you can.
Maureen Bes (2 years ago)
This museum is very important to the Latvian people , the story tells how they fought and challenges faced during the first and second world wars. Amazing how the buildings are still standing tall as well as the barracks which students clean up and visit all the time. This museum is free and an absolute must for any one visiting Riga
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