Other events in Baltic States

The Night of Museums is full of surprises. In Riga, over sixty museums, art galleries and other cultural establishments will be open until midnight and longer on 14 May 2011. Here is the 2011 Night of Museums TOP 10 to help you choose the best from the vast range of events, informs liveriga.com.

The 14 May Night of Museums programme features a long list of various events. Museums will tell stories, sing songs, play quizzes and other games and open the way for the world of wonders. This year's subject is Neighbours. All museums and galleries will be worth of seeing yet here are ten suggestions picked out from the night's programme.

National History Museum of Latvia, 3 Pils Square. 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

One of the oldest buildings in the city, the Riga Castle has seen many landlords and now it hosts the President’s residence. The Night of Museums offers visitors to see President’s Hall of Gifts and the Sculpture Garden. The premises also feature the National History Museum of Latvia with a free entrance to its permanent exhibition, various treats, souvenirs and taking photos on the Night of Museums programme.

Republic of Latvia Saeima building, 11 Jēkaba Street. 6 p.m. – midnight

Saeima is the parliament of the Republic of Latvia elected in general, equal, direct and proportional elections. Usually accessible only to those with special permits, the premises will be open during the night upon presentation of your identification. An exhibition of gifts presented to the Saeima and exclusive materials from Saeima archives, an exhibition dedicated to the twentieth anniversary of the Baltic Assembly, and a visit to the Plenary Chamber.

Latvian War Museum, 20 Smilšu Street. 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Take your courage and go underground! For the first time in the history of the museum, the museum’s underground passage will be open to the public – unique facilities and structures, such as the museum’s ventilation system, boiler house and others. Attention! It is not recommended for people with physical impairments, small children and visitors with prams.

Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, 4 Palasta Street. 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

The Museum of History of Riga and Navigation features a wide collection of archeological and historical objects and stories about the city from the 12th century up to today. To the night's guests: a rare opportunity to see the 13th-century gothic Cross Gallery rich in early Gothic architecture examples and cannons and tombstones from the museum's collection.

House of the Blackheads, 7 Rātslaukums. 8 p.m. – midnight

Fully renovated over ten years ago, the House of the Blackheads is now among the most splendid buildings in Old Town. Erected in the 14th century, the building was completely destroyed during World War II. On 14 May visitors will be able to see the historic basements of the House of the Blackheads, learn about the Brotherhood of Blackheads, their mission and historical importance and view an exhibition about the House of the Blackheads in Estonia.

Spīķeri Quarter, 4 to 14 Maskavas Street. 7 p.m. – 7 a.m.

Music and dances all night long. Dirty Deal: audio and visual performances by young Latvian electronic music artists, deejays and video artists. Spīķeri Concert Hall: performances by various jazz artists; a jazz quintet, pianists, soloists.

Riga Art Noveau Museum, 12 Alberta Street. 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Riga is the city of Art Nouveau gems with the most splendid examples on Alberta Street. The Riga Art Nouveau Museum will introduce what was the life of the early 20th century. Theatrical performance: Latvian architect K. Pēkšēns (1859 – 1928), the author of the building at 12 Alberta Street, will welcome all the Night of Museums guests.
 

Pauls Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine, 1 Antonijas Street. 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

First two floors of the museum will be open to visitors – ethnomedicine and the Middle Ages. Exhibition “A Place Where Even Kings Go on Foot” – toilets and lavatories. A special focus on our smallest neighbours – microbes and viruses.
 

Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum, 440 Brīvības gatve. 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

The Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum has been a representative of Latvian national traditions for dozens of years. On the Night of Museums programme: horse herding at night in Kurzeme fishermen’s village near Lake Jugla. Bonfires, singsongs, tea making, various rituals and more.

Riga Motormuseum, 6 S. Eizenšteina Street, 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Featuring various antique cars, motorcycles, mopeds and other items on the collection, the Riga Motormuseum is presenting military vehicles and cars during the 14 May night. Cameras and footage and photo materials of the past times from the Riga Film Studio Archive. Rollerblade race from downtown Riga to the Motormuseum.