Žaņa Lipkes memoriāls

About the museum

The Žaņa Lipkes memoriāls (Žanis Lipke Memorial) is located on Ķīpsala, next to the Lipke family home on Mazais Balasta dambis. During the Second World War Žanis Lipke and his family rescued Jews from the Riga Ghetto. He first dug a hiding place beneath a woodshed in January 1942; later it was replaced by a better-equipped shelter in which 8 to 12 people could hide at the same time. The German authorities never found the bunker.

The idea of a memorial arose in 2000, after a memorial plaque was unveiled at the Lipke house; in 2005 an association was founded to raise funds. The memorial design was developed by the architect Zaiga Gaile. The museum opened in 2012.

The building resembles a black tarred shed or a boat turned upside down, and its form is borrowed from the boat sheds of the fishermen and sailors of Ķīpsala. Through a dark labyrinth the visitor reaches the main exhibition hall in the attic, from which a hatch allows a view down into the bunker built in the basement, which corresponds to the size of the historical hiding place: 3 × 3 metres. Above the bunker, on the ground floor, is a sukkah – the symbolic temporary shelter of Jews.

The museum offers educational programmes for pupils.

Key themes

• Bunker replica, 3 × 3 metres, in the basement
• Architecture of the black shed (architect Zaiga Gaile)
• Sukkah – a symbolic temporary shelter
• Audio guides in five languages
• Entry by donation

Permanent exhibition

• Žaņa Lipkes memoriāla ekspozīcija – The exhibition in the attic hall and the bunker replica in the basement tell of Žanis Lipke's family and their rescue work during the Second World War.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Biedrība „Žaņa Lipkes memoriāls”

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry by donation. Individual visitors do not need to book a tour in advance.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• 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

The car park at Mazais Balasta dambis 6 is free of charge for people with mobility impairments, if the visit is arranged in advance.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers educational programmes for pupils within the Skolas soma (School Bag) programme.

Getting there & parking

By car: after the Vanšu bridge turn right into Ķīpsalas iela, take the first right into Āzenes iela down to the Daugava, then turn left onto Balasta dambis until the sign “Žaņa Lipkes memoriāls”. On a bicycle or on foot: after the Vanšu bridge turn right along the Daugava on Balasta dambis.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop is available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit