Welcome Reception

22 May 2023, 18:30

• 18:30 Meeting in the Old Town for an excursion.  No shuttles will be provided. Guests can use the public transportation or walk by foot. Old Town Riga, with its narrow cobblestone streets (comfortable shoes are recommended), not only features gorgeous Medieval-era buildings but unique sacral structures as well. Buildings in the growing city were constructed by guilds of craftsmen and artists.

Meeting point for the excursion (Rolands statue)

• ~ about 19:30 Welcome Reception at Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation,  6 Palasta street, Riga
• Program:

Live Jazz band, finger-food & wine, exploring the museum

This is the oldest public museum in Latvia and one of the oldest in Europe, the origin of which dates back to 1773. The Museum's 16 exposition halls tell of the creation and development of Riga over more than 800 years, as well as shipping in the territory of Latvia from the 10th century until today.

It is located in a significant 13th–20th century architectural monument — the Riga Dome Cathedral ensemble, which comprises a church, the gothic Cross Gallery, and a museum, the pride of which is the 18th century Column Hall, built in Classicism style in place of the former monastery.

One can view a unique historical legacy in the exhibitions, including ancient Latvian ornaments, tools and weapons, a 13th century "Riga ship", weights and measures from the time of the Hanseatic League, the sword of the Riga executioner, the world's smallest photo camera MINOX, outstanding artefacts made by Riga silversmiths, one of Riga's ancient wonders — "Lielais Kristaps" (Great Kristaps), and much more.

The mission of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is to preserve the elements of reality characterizing the history of the city of Riga, Latvian navigation history and Latvian photography history, as well as using the accumulated values to integrate into Latvia's social, scientific and cultural life, contributing to the development of a highly advanced and humane society.