Latvijas Kara muzejs
State museum of military history in the Pulvertornis (Powder Tower) in Old Riga; admission free, main building closed for renovation until early 2027.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The origins of the Latvian War Museum lie in the events of the First World War on Latvian territory and the formation of the Latvian rifle battalions in 1915. In September 1916 the museum began work as a riflemen’s museum. During independent Latvia, until 1940, it was under the Ministry of War, and since 1919 its home has been the old Riga fortification tower, the Pulvertornis. The museum’s main task was to show the struggle of the Latvian people for freedom and independence.
Work on an annex to the Pulvertornis began in 1937 and was completed in 1940, but the museum had very little time in the new premises: after the occupation of Latvia in June 1940 the museum was closed and some of its collections were lost or transferred to other institutions. From 1957 the building housed the Latvijas PSR Revolūcijas muzejs (Museum of the Revolution of the Latvian SSR).
The Latvian War Museum was re-established in 1990, when the process of restoring independence began. Its aim is to present Latvia’s complicated military and political history, with particular emphasis on the 20th century, when the Latvian people had to fight for their independence twice. The permanent exhibitions cover the period from the 17th century to the Second World War. From 16 September 2026 until early 2027 the main building is closed to visitors while the vestibule is being improved and the conference hall modernised; the museum continues its work at its branches outside Riga.
Highlights
- The Vecrīga Pulvertornis – one of the old city fortification towers
- Exhibition on the founding of the Latvian state and the War of Independence 1918–1920
- Exhibitions on Latvian soldiers from the 17th century to the Second World War
- Free admission
Permanent exhibitions
- Gods kalpot Latvijai! – A cycle of exhibitions on Latvian soldiers and the defence of Latvia from the 17th to the 20th century.
- Latvijas valsts izveidošana un Neatkarības karš. 1918–1920 – An exhibition on the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia and the struggles to defend the state, moving from a darker atmosphere to a bright conclusion.
- Latvija II pasaules karā – An exhibition on Latvia during the Second World War.
- Founded
- 1916
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
|---|
Admission to the museum is free of charge.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours can be booked by phone on +371 2866 2648. |
