Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia

Riga, Latvia

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The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, located on the shores of Lake Jugla just outside Riga, is one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe.

Founded in 1924, it preserves and showcases traditional Latvian rural life through a collection of historic buildings, farmsteads, churches, workshops, and windmills relocated from different regions of the country. Spread across a large forested area, the museum features more than 100 authentic structures dating from the 17th to the early 20th centuries.

Visitors can explore homes of farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen while learning about traditional architecture, daily life, occupations, and cultural customs from Latvia’s historical regions. The museum is also a vibrant cultural center that hosts folk festivals, craft fairs, concerts, and demonstrations of traditional skills throughout the year.

Combining history, nature, and living traditions, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia offers one of the most immersive experiences of Latvian heritage.