The Ethnographic Open-air Museum of Latvia ranks among Europe's oldest and largest museums of its kind, and it houses Latvia's oldest wooden architectural treasures. Since its inception in 1924, the museum has upheld its mission to preserve historical heritage for future generations throughout the ages. This heritage encompasses evidence detailing the architectural features and domestic items, shedding light on construction techniques and the traditional layout of homesteads belonging to peasants and fishermen, spanning a timeline from the 17th century to the mid-20th century.
The museum stands as a repository showcasing the homesteads of Latvian peasants and fishermen representing Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme, Zemgale and Sēlija. It also accommodates craftsmen's houses-workshops, forges, potters' and tar kilns, windmills, churches of various denominations, the meeting house of the brethren congregation or Herrnhuters, the pub, the threshing barn, etc. Seasonal and other traditional Lavian festivities are celebrated at the museum, offering an opportunity to delve into their meaning and purpose.
The artist has depicted Latvian values on the coin – virtue of work and love for work, which have remained resilient throughout the passage of time. The museum exceeds the confines of a mere home, and the ancient tools hold significance beyond mere objects. Each item carries the trace of human touch, a story about the time when this person lived, the work that sustained his own existence and that of his kin and nation. The museum hosts craft days and craft fairs, not only promoting the art of ancient crafts but also facilitating the passing down of these skills.
