Krisjanis Barons Memorial Museum, Riga

The Krišjānis Barons Memorial Museum, located in Riga, stands as a profound testament to the nation's cultural heritage, particularly through the preservation and celebration of Latvian folk songs, or dainas. These dainas, intrinsic to Latvian identity, were diligently collected, studied, and published by Krišjānis Barons (1835-1923), a luminary in Latvian folklore and affectionately dubbed "the father of dainas." Barons, whose contributions are so revered that his portrait adorns the 100-lat banknote and a series of silver coins issued by the Bank of Latvia, spent his final years in the apartment that now houses the museum.

The museum's collection is vast, containing around 1.2 million folk songs alongside an extensive archive of sound and video recordings that capture a broad spectrum of folk music and historical narratives concerning the Balts. It serves not only as a repository but also as an educational hub, offering lectures on Latvian folklore and literary history, with a special emphasis on programming for children.

One of the museum's highlights is the Cabinet of Folksongs, a replica of Barons' original creation, which houses handwritten Latvian folk songs from the late 19th century. This cabinet was recognized globally when it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2001.

Additionally, the museum extends its narrative to the House of Burtnieki in Vecmilgrāvis, where memorial rooms dedicated to the Barons family have been displayed since 1995. The museum also organizes tours that explore Barons' various residences and workplaces in Riga and his memorials throughout Kurzeme Province, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into his life and enduring legacy.