From 17 June a new exhibition at Riga Castle “Livonian Castles”

From 17  June a new exhibition titled “Livonian Castles,” featuring a contemporary design, is open to visitors in the vaulted cellars of Riga Castle,  the Latvian National Museum of History. It is the next in a series of new exhibitions being created at the museum’s historical site and tells the story of the Livonian period (13th–16th c.) and the castles built during this time, revealing one of the most significant layers of Latvia’s medieval cultural and historical heritage.

The exhibition is housed in the vaulted cellars of Riga Castle, built in the 14th century, with an impressive architecture, covering an area of more than 530 square meters. In addition to the exhibition halls, there is also a room accessible from the exhibition featuring a 600-year-old hot-air or hypocaust furnace. The new exhibition is designed as a contemporary interior installation that clearly distinguishes the historical heritage from the present day. The masonry walls and vaults of the Riga Castle basement have been preserved intact, showcasing the authentic historical interior, while the polymer concrete has been used to create the exhibition—it is raised like a floating path that guides visitors through various themes of the story of Livonian castles. The latest technologies—including standard and touchscreen displays, video and light projections, as well as holographic projections—bring the exhibition’s message to life and allow visitors to explore the history of Livonian castles in an interactive and multifaceted way. Exhibition design by Didzis Jaunzems (SIA “DJA”); production, installation, and multimedia development by SIA “SOLAVI” and SIA “AD PRODUCTION”.

Medieval castles were important centers of power and administration from which territorial governance was organized, resources were controlled, and protection was ensured. They were closely linked to their surroundings—both economically and politically—and often became the organizing hub of local life. At the same time, castles were also living spaces. Daily tasks were carried out there, food was prepared, objects were crafted, children were raised, and celebrations were held. Castles were home to artisans, soldiers, and clergy, and they also served as centers of religious life. This combination of diverse functions made castles essential centers of medieval society, reflecting both practical needs and cultural and spiritual values. The exhibition “Livonian Castles” offers the opportunity to explore this multifaceted world more closely, revealing castles not only as military structures but also as vibrant and dynamic spaces of medieval society.

The exhibition features one of the most extensive collections of archaeological artifacts, acquired through excavations at medieval castles in Latvia, the majority of which are held in the LNMH collection. Other finds included in the exhibition also reveal the lifestyle and domestic culture of the ruling elite, as well as the interactions between various social strata and ethnic groups in medieval Livonia.

The museum has designed the “Livonian Castles” exhibition to be engaging and interesting for both the general public in Latvia and visitors from abroad, including tourists. The content is available in Latvian and English, with additional information provided by an audio guide. Souvenirs created specifically for the new exhibition are available in the museum shop.

The exhibition will feature themed events for various audiences, including guided tours, workshops, and more.

The “Livonian Castles” exhibition is made possible by funding from the Ministry of Culture.

The exhibition is not accessible by elevator. It is not suitable for people in wheelchairs.