Exhibition “Mission – Latvia. Politician un Statistician Marģers Skujenieks – 140”

During the 2026 national celebrations, an exhibition entitled “Mission – Latvia. Politician and Statistician Marģers Skujenieks – 140” will open to the public at the Latvian National Museum of History at Riga Castle. The exhibition is designed as a brief portrait of the influential Latvian politician and statistician Marģers Skujenieks (1886–1941), offering an insight into all the key areas of his work and his family life.

Skujenieks was a highly versatile, active and well-known politician of the interwar period, who was present at the decisive events of the founding of the republic. During those historic days of November 1918, Skujenieks actively promoted dialogue between the various parties so that, by setting aside their differing views on the future of the state, they might establish the People’s Council and proclaim Latvia’s independence. However, Skujenieks is not only seen at the very centre of the photograph documenting the founding of the first Latvian state – he served as a Member of Parliament in every convocation, was twice Prime Minister, served as Minister of Finance and Minister of the Inner Affairs, headed the work on the Constitution, and was also Director of the State Statistical Office.

Marģers Skujenieks was shot in Butyrka Prison in Moscow in 1941 during the Soviet occupation, leaving behind an inspiring example of how, through extensive knowledge and selfless work, we can continue to advance our shared mission – Latvia – every day.

The exhibition is on display at Riga Castle, Pils laukums 3 (entrance from Daugavas gāte), every day except Mondays, during the museum’s opening hours, until April 2027.