New exhibitions

In the permanent location of the Occupation Museum of Latvia, Latviešu strēlnieku laukums 1, the exposition completed in 1998 is gradually being dismantled in preparation for the reconstruction of the building. For the time period before the start of construction two new temporary exhibitions have been prepared:

“Freedom for the Baltic States”

The exhibition contains photos and narratives about the Berlin Wall and Latvian inscriptions and drawings on it made in the 1980s to demand renewal of independence for Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.  “Freedom for the Baltic States”

The exhibition contains photos and narratives about the Berlin Wall and Latvian inscriptions and drawings on it made in the 1980s to demand renewal of independence for Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The exhibition was developed in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

“Reconstruction: Building for the Future of the Museum”

The museum building at Latviešu strēlnieku laukums 1 was a part of the memorial ensemble for the Latvian Red Riflemen. It was opened in 1970 for the 100th anniversary of Lenin. After Latvia regained independence the Latvian Red Riflemen Museum lost its political importance and was closed. In 1993 a small group of enthusiasts established a non-profit organisation – “Latvia during 50 Years of Occupation” Museum Foundation and opened an exhibition “Year of Terror, 1940/1941” in the building. This was the start of the Occupation Museum of Latvia.

By the year 2000 the work of the Occupation Museum had developed and expanded creating a need for enlarged work space for the staff and a renewed main exhibition based on the results of the latest historical research.

The reconstruction has been planned by the distinguished Latvian architect Gunnar Birkerts.