Museum of the Occupation of Latvia


This museum colourfully details Latvia’s Soviet and Nazi occupations between 1940 and 1991. Some of the exhibits are disturbing, including first-hand accounts of the murder of Rīga's once-substantial Jewish population, a re-creation of a gulag cell and many photographs that detail the atrocities. Latvia's active resistance of the 1950s, the passive resistance of the 1970s and the pivotal popular resistance of the early 1990s are fully detailed. There are daily tours in English at 2pm and 4pm (€3).

The museum is currently in the former US embassy. It was previously in the stark Soviet-era building on Rātslaukums in Old Rīga and is meant to return there when renovations are complete after 2021.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Statue of Rūdolfs Blaumanis

0.08 MILES

One of Latvia's greatest writers, Blaumanis (1863-1908) wrote the short story 'In the Shadow of Death.' one of his most famous works. This statue was…

3. Bastion Hill

0.09 MILES

A former tower hill, which used to be a part of the city wall, It is now the highest and arguably the most romantic feature of the park that runs along…

4. Rainis Statue

0.09 MILES

One of the great Latvian writers, Rainis – his pen name – created works that called for independence and have become part of the Latvian identity. He died…

5. Freedom Monument

0.13 MILES

Affectionately known as ‘Milda’, Rīga’s Freedom Monument towers above the city between Old and Central Rīga. Paid for by public donations, the monument…

6. Esplanāde

0.14 MILES

The expansive Esplanāde is a large park dotted with tall trees, wooden benches and open-air cafes. The Latvian National Museum of Art graces it on one…

7. Latvian National Museum of History

0.15 MILES

This museum traces Latvian history from the Stone Age to the hipster age. If the exhibits have a temporary feel it's because the museum is meant to return…

8. Latvian War Museum

0.16 MILES

The round Powder Tower dates back to the 14th century and is the only survivor of the 18 original towers that punctuated the old city walls. Nine Russian…