Latvijas Nacionālais vēstures muzejs

About the museum

Riga Castle is one of the best-preserved Teutonic Order castles in the Baltic Sea region. The first Order castle on the Daugava was begun in 1330, but in 1484 the citizens of Riga besieged and destroyed it. From 1497 to 1515 the present square castle was built, with two round towers and two stair towers at the corners. Over the centuries the castle was rebuilt several times and served as a seat of power for the administrations of the Polish–Lithuanian, Swedish and Russian empires; it is also linked to the origins of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia.

Since 1920 Riga Castle has been home to the Latvian National Museum of History. After reconstruction the museum uses the whole castle wing built in the 16th century, while the remaining rooms of the castle serve the needs of the State President. The first stage of the restoration was completed at the end of 2023, and visitors can now see 4,400 square metres of castle rooms: the vestibule, the Mestra remteris (master’s refectory), the chapel, the Svina tornis (Lead Tower), the attic and other rooms.

The new Latvian history exhibition “Straumējot laiku” (Flowing Through Time) is on the third floor of the castle, covering 620 square metres, and tells the story of the land of Latvia and its people from the earliest times to the present day. In the castle’s vaulted cellars the exhibition “Livonijas pilis” (Castles of Livonia) presents the life of medieval castles from the 13th to 16th centuries and archaeological finds. The museum’s branches also include the Dauderi and the Tautas frontes muzejs.

Highlights

• The “Straumējot laiku” Latvian history exhibition – 12,500 years in nine themes
• The “Livonijas pilis” exhibition in the 14th-century vaulted cellars
• Restored medieval castle rooms: the Mestra remteris, chapel and Svina tornis
• Free audio guide in the mobile app
• One of the best-preserved Teutonic Order castles in the Baltics

Permanent exhibitions

• Straumējot laiku – The Latvian history exhibition on the third floor of the castle: 12,500 years in nine themes, from the people of the hillforts to the present day.
• Livonijas pilis – An exhibition in the vaulted cellars of Riga Castle on the Livonian era and the castles built in it, with an extensive collection of archaeological finds.

Admission & discounts

These prices apply to the exhibitions in Riga Castle. The Dauderi exhibitions and the Tautas frontes muzejs have a separate price list.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The exhibition “Straumējot laiku” can be reached by lift, including by wheelchair. Specially equipped toilets are on the ground, first and third floors. The handrails on the stairs have Braille signage, and an induction loop is available for visitors with hearing impairments. The “Livonijas pilis” exhibition cannot be reached by lift and is not suitable for wheelchair users. On prior booking, the museum offers tours and sessions for visitors with visual, hearing and mobility impairments, as well as sessions in easy language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

On the ground floor there is a baby-changing room. The castle has a workshop room called “Izziņas bēniņi” and an offer for schools.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop is open in Riga Castle during the museum’s opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Information on renting rooms is published on the museum’s website.

Plan your visit