- Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum - In 1924, the Latvian Council of Monuments signed an order to create the open-air museum in Riga. The plan was to relocate a homestead from all four regions of Latvia \- Courland, Zemgale, Vidzeme and Latgale \- to the museum. Each of the buildings would represent the different crafts of each area. The new museum acquired land from a state land fund in the sandy dunes near Jugla Lake, just outside the city.
In 1939, there were already 40 buildings erected in the museum. Every region had its homestead and several other buildings of architectural or cultural value represented here. In the 1930s the museum became a very popular place and the community actively participated in the development of the museum.
During World War II, the museum remained mostly undamaged, but most of its pre-war personnel were unavailable after having been repressed or forced into exile. Many documents were also lost during this period. After the war, the new Soviet power didn’t understand the nature of the museum and even declared it ideologically incorrect. Only in the late 1960s did the museum see a renaissance, when a new generation of museum specialists started to work in the museum.
When Latvia regained its independence in 1991, the museum started actively collecting and documenting Latvian heritage from the 1920s and 1930s, a period during which Latvian agrarian reforms reshaped the Latvian countryside. Today, the museum organizes many cultural events, such as folk concerts and traditional and craft festivals. The museum promotes traditional Latvian culture and lifestyle with these cultural events.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water provided
- English-speaking driver
- Air-conditioned minivan for transport
- Exclusive private trip
- Gratuities
- Museum entrances
- Food and drinks
Take a private journey to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum and the Riga Motor Museum. Explore one of Europe’s oldest and largest open-air museums, followed by a visit to the newly renovated Riga Motor Museum. Here, you’ll get to see the biggest and most varied collection of vintage automobiles in the Baltics. The trip includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, with a maximum group size of 7 travellers.
Please be informed that this tour does not include the services of a professional guide. Our English-speaking driver will provide fundamental details, respond to your questions, guide you to the ticket counters and recommend top local eateries for lunch if required. Please let us know in advance if you require a professional guide at the attractions visited.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please bring your walking shoes
- Coffee stops and detours can be arranged with driver
- Please inform us if you wish to have different pickup time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
