History and Navigation Museum, Riga

The Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, nestled within the architectural splendor of the Riga Dom Cathedral ensemble in Old Riga, stands as one of Europe's oldest museums. Established initially in 1773 from the private collection of Nikolaus von Himsel, a prominent Riga doctor, the museum has evolved significantly through the centuries. It now boasts the most extensive collection of artifacts chronicling Riga's rich historical tapestry.

In the late 19th century, the Riga Dom Cathedral underwent significant renovations, during which a section of the adjacent former monastery was repurposed to accommodate the museum's growing needs. This adaptation marked a historic moment as the first instance of a building in Riga being explicitly constructed for museum use-a fact proudly declared on the museum's facade.

Among the museum's architectural highlights is the Column Hall, built in 1778 in the Classical style. Originally serving as the library until 1891, this hall now hosts conferences and showcases historical exhibitions from the 18th and 19th centuries. The hall adjoins a 13th-century groin-vaulted gallery that looks out onto the courtyard of the Riga Dom Cathedral, an exemplary Romanesque and Gothic monument in the Baltic states.

The museum's exhibitions are a journey through time, illustrating Riga's evolution from its ancient village origins, through its development as a significant port during the 12th and 13th centuries, into its pivotal role in the Hanseatic League, and later under Polish and Swedish dominions from the 16th to 17th centuries. A special focus is given to the period of Latvian independence from 1918 to 1940, offering a unique glimpse into the daily lives of Riga's citizens during this era.

The history of Latvian navigation, from ancient times to the present day, is another core element of the museum's offerings. Visitors can explore a wide array of maritime artifacts including ship models, navigational instruments, and a comprehensive collection of ancient engravings, maps, and plans. Additionally, the museum houses an extensive array of objects used in daily life, alongside items of clothing and decorative pieces, totaling over half a million items.