Pauls Stradins Museum for the History of Medicine, Riga

The Pauls Stradins Museum for the History of Medicine in Riga is one of the largest medical museums globally. This prestigious institution is dedicated to showcasing the evolution of medicine and pharmacology from ancient times through interactive and educational displays. Its primary location on Antonijas Street is housed in a neo-Renaissance building designed by the acclaimed Riga architect Heinrich Scheel in 1875, with adaptations made in 1957 to better serve the museum's needs.

Founded on October 1, 1957, and officially opened to the public in 1961, the museum owes its existence to the vision and initial collection of Professor Pauls Stradiņš (1896–1958). Stradiņš, a prominent figure in surgery and oncology, first proposed the idea of a medical history museum in the 1930s. His collection of medical exhibits, which garnered significant attention among medical professionals, laid the foundation for what would become a comprehensive resource for both medical students and specialists.

The museum's collection has since grown to include over 203,000 items, continually expanding to include new acquisitions. The main exhibition offers visitors an immersive journey through the history of medicine, featuring replicas of a medieval monastery hospital and pharmacy, and providing insights into the common diseases and treatments of earlier eras. It also highlights the professionalization and scientific advancements in medicine during the 19th century, with special emphasis on notable figures such as microbiologist and Nobel Prize winner Ilya Mechnikov.

One of the museum’s most notable exhibits is the "two-headed dog," a result of Soviet doctor Demikhov's transplantation experiments, showcasing the role of animals in medical science. Additionally, the museum explores the intersection of space exploration and medicine in its Cosmic Biology and Medicine exhibit.

In 1987, the museum expanded to include the Museum of Pharmacy, based on personal collections from historian Davis Blumenthal and pharmacist Janis Maisite, further enriching its offerings.