Latvijas Ugunsdzēsības muzejs
Exhibition in an Art Nouveau building on Hanzas Street on the history of firefighting and civil defence in Latvia; admission €1.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Latvijas Ugunsdzēsības muzejs (Latvian Firefighting Museum) is in Riga at 5 Hanzas Street, in an Art Nouveau building designed by the architect Reinholds Šmēlings in 1912. The museum opened in 1978, and its exhibition presents the history of firefighting in Latvia from the mid-19th century to the present day, as well as the development of civil defence.
On the ground floor the development of firefighting in Latvia is on view: helmets, tools, uniforms, hoses, pumps and the fire engine “Chevrolet Six”. The first floor is devoted to the scientific research of the service, firefighting sport, the largest fires and other disasters. In the Ugunsdzēsēju Goda zāle (Firefighters’ Hall of Honour) visitors can read the names of firefighters who lost their lives putting out fires, and see awards from different periods.
Visitors can learn practical firefighting skills, take part in competitions and quizzes, and watch video films. The guided tour also includes a visit to the neighbouring fire station. The museum’s collection has 32,588 items, and various exhibitions are held regularly.
Highlights
- Firefighting equipment and uniform collection, including the “Chevrolet Six” fire engine
- The Firefighters’ Hall of Honour
- Practical firefighting skills, competitions and quizzes
- During the tour you can visit the neighbouring fire station
- Art Nouveau building from 1912
Permanent exhibitions
- Latvijas ugunsdzēsības vēsture – On the ground floor, the development of firefighting in Latvia: helmets, tools, uniforms, pumps and a fire engine.
- Civilās aizsardzības attīstība Latvijā – An exhibition on the history and development of civil defence in Latvia.
- Nerotaļājies ar uguni! – An exhibition on fire safety and how to act in the event of a fire.
- Founded
- 1978
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €1 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €0.50pupils, students |
| Children & teens | €0.50For pupils; free admission for pre-school children. |
| Seniors | freeFree admission for pensioners. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €0.50 |
| Families | €1.501–2 adults with 1–2 pupils, or a large family. |
| Guide service for a group of up to 10 people (not on Saturdays) | €6 |
| Thematic film | €1.50 |
Free admission for pre-school children, large families and families caring for a child with a disability, children from long-term social care and social rehabilitation institutions, pensioners, people with disabilities, politically repressed persons, staff of the Interior Ministry system and members of the Latvijas Brīvprātīgo ugunsdzēsēju biedrība (Latvian Volunteer Firefighters’ Society). Payment at the ticket office can be made by bank card; groups can pay in cash or by invoice.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair users can use a mobile tracked stair lift.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Dzirnavu iela
From the centre by trolleybus 3 to Lāčplēša Street; trolleybuses 1, 19 and bus 2 to Dzirnavu Street.
By car
Parking available
Opposite the museum there is a space for a tourist bus (to be arranged with the museum’s entrance supervisor) and parking for individual visitors’ cars.
GPS: 56°57.821′ N; 24°06.789′ E.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours can be ordered by filling in the form on the museum’s website or by phone on +371 6733 1334. Guided tours do not take place on Saturdays. |
