A museum of applied arts housed in St. George’s Church, Riga’s oldest surviving stone building, tracing centuries of Latvian craft and design heritage.
At a glance
The Latvian Museum of Decorative Arts and Design occupies a medieval stone church in the heart of Riga’s Old Town. The institution showcases applied arts, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and contemporary design across its permanent and rotating collections.
History
The museum was formally established on 1 January 1989 and opened to the public on 6 July 1989. Its home, St. George’s Church, stands as Riga’s oldest surviving stone structure, lending historical weight to the institution’s mission. In 2013, the museum hosted both the opening and closing plenaries of the Northern Future Forum, a high-level gathering of UK, Nordic, and Baltic prime ministers.
What you see
St. George’s Church is a stone medieval building, its architecture reflecting centuries of Riga’s urban development. Within this heritage structure, the museum displays decorative arts and design spanning historical periods and contemporary practice, presented across galleries adapted to the church’s interior spaces.
Cultural significance
The museum preserves and interprets Latvian decorative arts traditions—from historic craft practices to modern design thinking. By situating these collections within the city’s oldest stone church, it connects material culture with architectural heritage, anchoring both to Latvia’s cultural identity and Riga’s medieval past.
Key facts
- Country: Latvia
- City: Riga
- Established: 1 January 1989; opened to public 6 July 1989
- Building: St. George’s Church (oldest surviving stone building in Riga)
- Coordinates: 56.9481, 24.10955
Practical information & getting there
The museum is located in Riga’s Old Town. For current opening hours, admission prices, and exhibition details, consult the museum’s official website or contact the institution directly before your visit.
Sources & resources
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