Museum Night 2026 program, map and events in Riga and throughout Latvia

Museum Night 2026 in Riga and Latvia - program, map

Museum Night 2026 in Latvia promises to become one of the most impressive cultural events in the whole country. On the evening of May 23, museums, castles, manors, galleries and historical places will turn into living spaces of culture and adventure. Thousands of people will take to the streets to enjoy the special night atmosphere, concerts and illuminated historical objects. This year's theme "The Adventures of Objects" will allow you to look at history through things that hold the destinies of people and the stories of the ages. In many places, it will be possible to see rooms and expositions that are not available to visitors on a daily basis. Riga's Old Town will turn into one big cultural route with museums, concerts and evening activities in almost every block. Sigulda Castle and Gauja senleja will create a romantic night atmosphere with torchlight processions and concerts. The territory of the medieval castle in Cēsis will become one of the most impressive places in all of Latvia. In Liepāja, the history of the coast and the romance of the sea will combine with music and art. In Daugavpils, the fortress will turn into a center of contemporary art and light. In Jelgava, museums and towers will offer evening panoramas, concerts and thematic excursions. In Valmiera, visitors will be welcomed by family-friendly activities and concerts in the atmosphere of the old town. Kurzeme will offer medieval castles, seaside museums and evening performances. Latgale museums will combine folklore, gastronomy and contemporary art in one evening. Many venues will have backyard concerts, food stalls and activities for children until midnight. During the evening, museum facades and palaces will be illuminated with special light installations. Visitors will be able to take part in night tours, orientation games and creative workshops. Live music, lanterns, bonfires and historic streets full of people will create a special atmosphere. Museum night will be a great opportunity to get to know the culture, architecture, art and history of Latvia in one evening in a completely different atmosphere than everyday. This will be an evening where Latvian cities will live until the night and culture will become the main adventure for the whole family.

Riga

Latvian National Art Museum

Address: Jania Rozentālas Square 1, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - Opening of the Night of Museums
• 18:30 — Latvian modernism expositions
• 19:30 - tours about Latvian art masters
• 20:30 - live music concert
• 21:30 - performances in the lobby of the museum
• 22:30 - guided night tours

Event description: The museum will offer a special evening program with Latvian and European art collections, concerts and performances. Visitors will be able to see the halls of the museum under special night lighting and take part in thematic excursions.

Art museum RīGAS EXCHANGE

Address: Doma laukums 6, Rīga

Program:

• 18:00 - viewing of international art collections
• 19:00 - stories about Eastern art
• 20:00 - classical music concert
• 21:00 - portrait drawing activities
• 22:00 - night performances

Event description: The museum will turn into an elegant evening art space with concerts and performances. In the atmosphere of Old Riga, it will be possible to view world art collections and enjoy the evening's cultural program.

Latvian National History Museum

Address: Pils laukums 3, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - Latvian history expositions
• 19:00 - restoration demonstrations
• 20:00 - lecture on Latvian relics
• 21:00 - family orientation games
• 22:00 - evening excursions

Event description: Visitors will be able to get to know the history of Latvia through unique objects and documents. During the evening, there will be an opportunity to view the restoration process and participate in interactive activities.

Rīgas pils

Address: Pils laukums 3, Rīga

Program:

• 18:00 - inspection of the representative premises
• 19:00 - presentation of the history of the presidency
• 20:00 - stories about the medieval castle
• 21:00 - architectural tours
• 22:00 - evening walks on the grounds of the castle

Event description: Visitors will have the opportunity to see the publicly accessible rooms of the residence of the President of Latvia and get to know the history of the palace. The evening will allow you to enjoy one of the most important historical objects of Latvia.

Rīgas Motormuzejs

Address: Sergeja Eisenštein iela 8, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - retro car exhibitions
• 19:00 - stories of restaurateurs
• 20:00 - children's technical workshops
• 21:00 - demonstrations of old vehicles
• 22:00 - photo zone with classic cars

Event description: Legendary cars and motorcycles from different eras will be on display during the Museum Night. Visitors will be able to take photos with unique rolling stock and get to know the secrets of restoration.

Latvijas Dzelzceľas vēstērasmusejs">Latvijas Dzelzceľas vēstūrasmusem

Address: Uzvaras bulvāris 2A, Rīga

Programme:

• 18:00 - inspection of locomotives
• 19:00 - stories about railway history
• 20:00 - children's mini train activities
• 21:00 - industrial night tour
• 22:30 - light projections

Event description: The museum will offer to get to know the development of Latvian railways and to view historical locomotives in a special evening atmosphere. The evening will be complemented by industrial light installations and thematic excursions.

Paula Stradiņš Medical History Museum

Address: Ukrainas Neatkarības iela 1, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - anatomy expositions
• 19:00 - demonstrations of medical experiments
• 20:00 - lecture on the development of medicine
• 21:00 - interactive program for children
• 22:00 - night tours

Event description: The museum will have the opportunity to view unique medical instruments and anatomy collections. During the evening, there will be interactive demonstrations and thematic tours with museum specialists.

Latvijas Kara muzejs

Address: Smilšu iela 20, Rīga

Program:

• 18:00 - inspection of military equipment
• 19:00 - history lecture
• 20:00 - equipment demonstrations
• 21:00 - interactive activities for children
• 22:00 - night tour of the Powder Tower

Event description: The museum will offer to get to know the military history of Latvia from the Middle Ages to the present day. Visitors will be able to see weapons, uniforms and historical military equipment.

Latvijas Dabas muzejs

Address: Krišjāņa Barona iela 4, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - animal exhibitions
• 19:00 - demonstrations of insect collections
• 20:00 - children's activities
• 21:00 - lecture on Latvian nature
• 22:00 - night excursion

Event description: Visitors will be able to get to know Latvia's natural treasures and see unique collections of animals and minerals. The program will be especially suitable for families with children.

Occupation museum

Address: Latviešu strēlniekus laukums 1, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - expositions of the occupation period
• 19:00 - screenings of documentaries
• 20:00 - meeting with historians
• 21:00 - stories about deportations
• 22:00 - night excursion

Event description: The museum will offer an emotional insight into the periods of occupation of Latvia and the destinies of people. Visitors will be able to see unique historical evidence and documents.

Riga Art Nouveau Center

Address: Alberta iela 12, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - inspection of the Art Nouveau apartment
• 19:00 - stories about Riga's architecture
• 20:00 - demonstrations of historical costumes
• 21:00 - piano music concert
• 22:00 - evening excursions

Event description: Visitors will be able to feel the atmosphere of Riga at the beginning of the 20th century and see an authentic Art Nouveau interior. The evening will be complemented by musical performances and demonstrations of historical costumes.

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

Address: Brīvdabas iela 21, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - tour of the ancient homesteads
• 19:00 - artisan demonstrations
• 20:00 - folklore concert
• 21:00 - bonfire evening
• 22:00 - night walks by Lake Jugla

Event description: The open-air museum will offer an authentic Latvian rural atmosphere with ancient buildings, craftsmen and folklore performances. During the evening, the area will be illuminated with lanterns and bonfires.

Riga History and Shipping Museum

Address: Palasta iela 4, Rīga

Program:

• 18:00 - Old Riga history expositions
• 19:00 - stories about the ancient port of Riga
• 20:00 - inspection of shipping collections
• 21:00 - evening excursions
• 22:00 - presentation of ancient maps

Event description: The museum will offer an opportunity to get to know the history of Riga as a Hanseatic city and the development of shipping in the Baltic region. During the evening, ship models, maps and navigation instruments will be on display.

Museum of Decorative Arts and Design

Address: Skārņu iela 10, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - design expositions
• 19:00 - glass art demonstrations
• 20:00 - textile workshops
• 21:00 - meeting with the artists
• 22:00 - night performances

Event description: The museum will offer to get to know the development of Latvian design and decorative art in different eras. Performances and creative workshops will take place during the evening.

Corner house

Address: Brīvības iela 61, Rīga

Program:

• 18:00 - exposition about the activities of the KGB
• 19:00 - cellar tours
• 20:00 - lectures by historians
• 21:00 - Demonstrations of documentary materials
• 22:00 - night excursion

Event description: Visitors will be able to view the historical premises of the KDK building and get to know the history of Latvia in the 20th century. A special atmosphere will be created by cellar tours and authentic rooms.

Žanis Lipke memorial

Address: Mazais Balasta dambis 9, Riga

Program:

• 18:00 - viewing of the memorial
• 19:00 - stories about Žani Lipka
• 20:00 - screenings of documentaries
• 21:00 - evening of silence with music
• 22:00 - evening excursions

Event description: The memorial will tell about courage and saving people during World War II. The evening will be an emotional and historically significant adventure.

Jelgava

Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower

Address: Akadēmijas iela 1, Jelgava

Program:

• 18:00 - inspection of the tower's expositions
• 19:00 - Jelgava panorama evening
• 20:00 - musical performances
• 21:00 - stories about the history of Jelgava
• 22:00 - evening excursions

Event description: Visitors will be able to enjoy the Jelgava panorama from the observation deck of the tower and get to know the history of the city. In the course of the evening, there will be musical performances and thematic excursions.

Gedert Elias Jelgava History and Art Museum

Address: Akadēmijas iela 10, Jelgava

Program:

• 18:00 - art exhibitions
• 19:00 - presentations of historical objects
• 20:00 - concert in the courtyard of the museum
• 21:00 - creative workshops
• 22:00 - night tours

Event description: The museum will offer an opportunity to get to know the cultural history of Jelgava and Zemgale in a special evening atmosphere. Visitors will be able to enjoy concerts, exhibitions and interactive activities.

Liepāja

Liepāja museum

Address: Kūrmājas prospekts 16/18, Liepāja

Program:

• 18:00 - Liepaja history expositions
• 19:00 - concert in the garden of the museum
• 20:00 - stories about coastal life
• 21:00 - night tours
• 22:00 - light installations

Event description: The museum will present the history, seafaring and cultural life of Liepāja in different eras. During the evening, the area will turn into an illuminated cultural center of the coast.

Liepājas occupation museum

Address: K. Ukstiņa iela 7/9, Liepāja

Program:

• 18:00 - expositions of the occupation period
• 19:00 - demonstrations of documentary materials
• 20:00 - meeting with historians
• 21:00 - stories about the history of Kurzeme
• 22:00 - evening excursions

Event description: The museum will offer an emotional insight into the history of Latvia in the 20th century and the events of the occupation period.

Daugavpils

Rotko Museum

Address: Mihaila iela 3, Daugavpils

Program:

• 18:00 - contemporary art exhibitions
• 19:00 - pottery master classes
• 20:00 - concert in the courtyard of the fortress
• 21:00 - multimedia installations
• 22:30 - light show

Event description: The Rothko Museum will offer a program of contemporary art with concerts, performances and multimedia installations. During the evening, the Daugavpils fortress will turn into an impressive art and light space.

Daugavpils Regional Research and Art Museum

Address: Rīgas iela 8, Daugavpils

Program:

• 18:00 - exhibition "Daugavpils stories"
• 19:00 - craft demonstrations
• 20:00 - folklore concert
• 21:00 - night tours
• 22:00 - children's creative activities

Event description: In the museum, it will be possible to get to know the history, culture and art of Daugavpils in different eras. Visitors will be welcomed by concerts, exhibitions and interactive activities for the whole family.

Daugavpils Clay Art Center

Address: 18. Novembra iela 8, Daugavpils

Program:

• 18:00 - ceramic exhibitions
• 19:00 - pottery demonstrations
• 20:00 - concert of whistlers
• 21:00 - clay workshops for children
• 22:00 - night performances

Event description: Visitors will be able to get to know Latgale ceramic traditions and watch potters work live. During the evening, it will be possible to try clay-making skills yourself.

Latgale Culinary Heritage Center "Šmakovka"

Address: Rīgas iela 22A, Daugavpils

Program:

• 18:00 - Latgale gastronomy presentations
• 19:00 - tastings
• 20:00 - musical program
• 21:00 - stories about Latgale traditions
• 22:00 - evening activities

Event description: The center will offer to get to know the culinary traditions of Latgale and the local gastronomic heritage. Visitors will be able to enjoy a program of tasting and traditional culture.

Kuldīga

Kuldīga County Museum

Address: Pils iela 5, Kuldīga

Program:

• 18:00 - expositions of the history of the old town
• 19:00 - performances in the city garden
• 20:00 - concert
• 21:00 - evening excursions
• 22:00 - photo orientation

Event description: Kuldīga Museum will offer a special program in the atmosphere of the old town with concerts and performances. Visitors will be able to enjoy the historical streets and museum expositions at night.

Ventspils

Ventspils museum

Address: Jāņa iela 17, Ventspils

Program:

• 18:00 - Tours of the Palace of the Livonian Order
• 19:00 - Knight fighting demonstrations
• 20:00 - medieval concert
• 21:00 - children's activities
• 22:00 - light projection in the courtyard of the palace

Event description: In the castle of the Livonian Order, it will be possible to enjoy the medieval atmosphere with concerts and historical activities. During the evening, the castle territory will be illuminated in a special style.

Dobele

Dobele Castle

Address: Brīvības iela 2C, Dobele

Program:

• 17:00 - American car exhibition
• 18:00 - archeology lecture
• 19:00 - children's activities
• 20:00 - concert
• 22:00 - light installations

Event description: Concerts, historical activities and car exhibitions will be held on the territory of Dobele Palace. During the evening, the palace will turn into an illuminated cultural center.

Krāslava

Krāslava History and Art Museum

Address: Pils iela 10, Krāslava

Program:

• 18:00 - art exhibitions
• 19:00 - artisan demonstrations
• 20:00 - concert in the palace courtyard
• 21:00 - night tours
• 22:00 - light installations

Event description: The museum will offer a cultural and artistic evening of Latgale with concerts and exhibitions. During the evening, the castle territory will be specially illuminated.

Aizpute

Aizpute Local History Museum

Address: Skolas iela 1, Aizpute

Program:

• 18:00 - expositions of historical objects
• 19:00 - evening of local history stories
• 20:00 - concert
• 21:00 - evening excursions
• 22:00 - night activities

Event description: The museum will tell about the history and cultural heritage of Aizpute in different eras. During the evening, visitors will be able to enjoy concerts and thematic excursions.

Pāvilosta

Pāvilosta Local History Museum

Address: Dzintaru iela 1, Pāvilosta

Program:

• 18:00 - coastal history expositions
• 19:00 - maritime stories
• 20:00 - evening concert
• 21:00 - night tours
• 22:00 - seaside activities

Event description: Visitors will be able to get to know the fishing and seafaring traditions of the coast. The evening will be complemented by the romantic atmosphere of the Baltic Sea coast.

Valmiera

Valmiera Museum

Address: Bruņnieku iela 1, Valmiera

Program:

• 18:00 - viewing of historical collections
• 19:00 - children's creative workshops
• 20:00 - stories about the history of Valmiera
• 21:00 - concert
• 22:00 - night tours

Event description: Valmiera Museum will offer to get to know the history and cultural heritage of the city in an interactive way. The program will be suitable for families with children and those interested in history.

Cēsis

Cēsi museum

Address: Pils laukums 9, Cēsis

Program:

• 18:00 - tour of the medieval castle
• 19:00 - artisan demonstrations
• 20:00 - concert in the palace courtyard
• 21:00 - torch tours
• 22:00 - light installations

Event description: The territory of the medieval castle will become one of the most impressive places of the Night of Museums in Vidzeme. During the evening, visitors will be able to enjoy concerts, torchlight processions and performances by artisans.

Sigulda

Sigulda New Castle

Address: Pils iela 16, Sigulda

Program:

• 18:00 - inspection of the palace expositions
• 19:00 - concert in the palace courtyard
• 20:00 - creative workshops
• 21:00 - evening excursions
• 22:00 - light projections

Event description: The New Castle of Sigulda will offer a romantic evening atmosphere in the ancient valley of Gauja with concerts and illuminated castle territory. Visitors will be able to get to know the cultural and architectural history of Sigulda.

Turaida Museum Reserve

Address: Turaidas iela 10, Sigulda

Program:

• 18:00 - Tour of Turaida Castle
• 19:00 - folklore concert
• 20:00 - demonstrations of ancient crafts
• 21:00 - torchlight procession
• 22:00 - night tours in the castle

Event description: Turaida Museum Reserve will offer one of the most romantic Museum Night programs in Latvia. During the evening it will be possible to enjoy the medieval atmosphere, folklore and the illuminated castle.