Come and see nature in the very heart of the city! The Latvian National Museum of Natural History is a genuine oasis of nature in the middle of civilisation - the centre of Riga. Its exhibitions cover a wide range of topics including geology, botany, and zoology. The museum also features interactive displays, educational programs, and a collection of Latvian flora and fauna, making it ideal for families, students, and nature enthusiasts.
Exhibitions and visitor experience
There is enough in the museum to see, study and learn for days without end, because one tour will only cover but a part of what there is in the museum. Human evolution, mounted animals and birds from all over the world, collections of insects, plants and minerals, a journey into the history of Earth, recreation of volcanic eruption, studies of the sky, multiple exhibitions, modern and interactive displays, quizzes and stories - a visit to the museum will be fondly remembered by small and adult visitors alike!
The Latvian National Museum of Natural History is one of the oldest multi-disciplinary museums of natural sciences in the Baltics, and it holds the largest collection of natural specimens available to the public in Latvia.
History of the museum
The museum dates back to 1845, when members of Riga’s Baltic German intelligentsia established the Society of Nature Explorers, with a museum and a library. The unique natural science collections of the Himsel Museum, which operated in Riga and was one of the first public museums in Europe, were handed over into the ownership of the museum. Having survived through various times, nowadays the Nature Museum of Latvia keeps versatile collections of natural objects from Latvia and all over the world, comprising 200,000 specimens in total.
Why visit
The Latvian National Museum of Natural History is a perfect attraction for anyone curious about the natural world. Whether you’re traveling with children, studying biology, or simply enjoy museums where you can touch, try, compare and explore, this place has something to discover at every turn. Interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, and life-size animal reconstructions make learning engaging and memorable. It’s also an excellent choice for rainy days, relaxed afternoons, and travellers seeking something beyond the typical Old Town sights.
Historical highlight
Established in 1845, the Natural History Museum is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the Baltic region. Over nearly two centuries, the museum has expanded its holdings to around 200,000 specimens, preserving Latvia’s natural heritage and documenting ecosystems, species, and geology both locally and globally.
How to get there
The Natural History Museum is located in central Riga at Krišjāņa Barona iela 4. It’s an easy walk from the Old Town or the Freedom Monument. Public transport lines (trams, buses, and trolleybuses) stop nearby at “Merķeļa iela” or “Barona iela.”