Museum of the Occupation of Latvia — Attraction in Riga

The museum is located in a new or renovated building with four floors. The entrance is on the first floor/ground floor and the exhibition is on the second floor/first floor (mainly) and the third floor/second floor (a less part showing the last years). The toilet is in the basement. The exhibition is a traditional exhibition where you as a guest walks around and watch and read about the soviet occupation (briefly also about the nazi occupation). Since the underlying idea is that Latvia is a sovereign and independent state and has its right to be just that, it is beyond all doubts in the exhibition that the occupation is something genuinely evil. Depending on the level of interest and how much the visitor has energy enough to take part of (i.e. read) the visit will take between 30 and 90 minutes. If anyone visit the museum with the only reason to make a mark in the box (”been there, done that”) it is possible to rush through the two floors...

While I fully recognize the historical significance and tragic weight preserved by the Museum of the Occupation in Riga, my overall experience fell short of expectations.

The museum is notably not child-friendly; the atmosphere is overwhelmingly somber and silent, evoking more of a funeral ceremony than a space for historical engagement. Aside from a single screen presenting the events, there is little in terms of interactive or visually engaging exhibits that might capture a visitor’s attention or curiosity.

I would not recommend visiting with children or unless you have a strong interest in and prior knowledge of Latvian history. Moreover, the lack of warmth from the staff is palpable—there were no smiles or welcoming gestures that could ease the heavy tone of the visit. A simple smile can go a long way in making history more accessible and inviting, and sadly, that human touch...

A super interesting collection detailing the Soviet Occupation of Latvia and the struggle of the people to reestablish their sovereign state. We did an English tour that was pretty rushed. We went back through the entire museum. It is laid out in chronological order and there is a "path" to follow. There's a cute teddy bear character that might keep kids interested with a few interactive displays. There are adult interactives also. The museum tells the tale of brave resistance fighters and you leave with a sense of the great national pride that Latvians have today, as...