Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum

The Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum is a large outdoor museum near Lake Jugla that displays more than 100 authentic historical buildings. The structures represent different regions and periods of Latvia's rural past, showing how people lived and worked in earlier centuries.

The museum was founded in the 1920s and officially opened in 1932 to preserve rural Latvia's heritage as the country rapidly urbanized. Historic buildings were moved from their original locations to create this collection showing what the land looked like before industrial change.

The museum is organized into four sections representing Latvia's historical regions, each showing how people built and lived in Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, and Latgale. Visitors can see the differences in building styles and daily life practices across these areas.

The grounds are large and best explored on foot or by bicycle, especially if you want to see all four regional sections. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is advisable since there are many paths between the buildings.

The collection includes rare structures from the Old Believer communities of Latgale and authentic fishing settlements of the Liiv people from coastal areas. These sections show traditions of minority groups that played important roles in Latvia's past.

Location: Vidzeme Suburb

Inception: 1924

Official opening: 1932

Fee: Yes

Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 "entrance, facilities, houses & toilets"; 10:00-20:00 "park stroll"

Phone: +37167994106

Website: http://brivdabasmuzejs.lv

GPS coordinates: 56.99494,24.26483

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42