Preserving History Of The Soviet & Nazi Occupation - Museum Of The Occupation Of Latvia

Tucked away in the heart of Riga’s Old Town is a powerful and thought-provoking museum: the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.

Established in 1993 by historian Paulis Lazda and a group of passionate individuals, the museum was created to document Latvia’s painful history under three successive occupations — the first Soviet regime (1940–1941), Nazi Germany (1941–1944), and the second Soviet rule (1944–1991).

Walking through the museum is a sobering experience. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, blending personal stories, historical artifacts, and immersive displays that help you grasp not just the timeline, but the human cost of life under foreign rule.

If you're interested in history — or simply want to understand Latvia beyond its postcard-perfect streets — this museum is an essential stop. It’s emotional, educational, and leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve stepped back outside into the cobbled streets of Riga.

This is what caught my eye -

The museum is located in a former Soviet-era building constructed in 1971.

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The museum houses approximately 60,000 items.

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Some of the exhibits include propaganda posters, photographs of deportations, personal belongings from those imprisoned or exiled, documents from secret police files and recreated prison cells

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The museum includes more than 2,300 video testimonies—one of Europe's largest collections of eyewitness accounts of oppression and exile

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What you should know:

• You could spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, depending on your level of interest.

• There are public restroom.

• You can purchase admission online or in person.

• Parking can be difficult.

• Check website for days and hours of operation, and if there are any special events.

• People are friendly and informative, and most speak English.

Location: Latvian Rifleman Square 1, Riga LV-1050, Latvia

For more information: Museum of Occupation Of Latvia

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