Latvian War Museum: Riga's Ultimate Military History Museum to Hunt Down
Thursday, January 24, 2019 Latvia 0 Comments

Latvian War Museum

If you think that Saving Private Ryan is an uncompromising powerful war movie, then you definitely must experience your inner military discovery by visiting the Latvian War Museum in Latvia’s capital, Riga city. You can just imagine a quiet true-life recreation of the bravery and loss of the Latvian culture, all thanks to Riga’s iconic cityscape must-visit. One cold winter morning, our troop of travel brothers, minus the bloodied battle scars and brutal faces, decided to spend a couple of hours inside this museum, which used to be called as the Latvian Riflemen Battalion Museum.

Located in the Powder Tower in Old Riga, this war museum in Latvia is known to be the biggest military-inspired museum that boasts extensive historical collections about the military and political situation of Latvia’s war stricken past. With over more than 25,000 artifacts ranging from documents, orders, photos, weapons, uniforms, and other interesting depictions about the Latvian war. Upon entering the museum, I couldn’t help but notice how peaceful and empty the museum was; it feels so spacious and relaxed, considering that it is a “war” place.

The 14th century Powder Tower, one of the former fortification towers of Riga, is a good venue for this museum, because it kind of feels like you are in one of the hideout places during the olden times. Of course inside you’ll see all the art of warfare during the first and second world wards, the stuff from the Soviet occupation, Latvian armies and soldiers, and impressive medals and military uniforms during that era. It brings back good memories of your History classes, especially when you visit areas on The Defense of Latvia Republic (1920 – 1940), Latvia in World War II, and Latvians in Western Bloc Armed Forces.

If you are looking for that laid back yet comprehensive take and trace of wars, the Latvia War Museum is worth visiting for sure. Did you know that Latvians had been compelled to fight on both sides during the wars (Hitler era and Soviet Red army troops era). Knowing this, undeniably you’ll want to get to know more about their history, especially through their permanent exhibitions, which includes their independence in 1918 and 1991. Head down here since the Admission is Free, so you are encouraged to explore the place at your own pace. They offer guided tours for 12 EUR for a group, though. And you can even grab some souvenirs while you’re here. Overall, I would recommend the Latvia War Museum to be part of your itinerary, even for 1-2 hours of visit. It’s near cafes too, so you can grab a quick snack after your visit. Have you had a chance to visit such kind of museum that’s in a Powder Tower?

Address: 20, Smilsu Street, (Pulvertornis) Riga, LV-1050 Latvia

Opening Hours: 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. April to October, 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. November to March

Official Website: http://www.karamuzejs.lv/lkm/home.aspx?sc_lang=en

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatvijasKaraMuzejs