The botanical collection contains more than 31,000 specimens. The systematic plant herbarium of Latvia is augmented yearly. Of note is the collection of mosses of Latvia, which contains many rare and protected species of moss. The collection of fungi of Latvia has been consistently growing and developing since 1988, and is one of the most complete of its kind in Latvia.

The Latvian National Museum of Natural History holds remarkable collection of geological, entomological, palaeontological, zoological, botanical and anthropological specimens. The collection is systematically updated through the collecting of specimens from the field (through expeditions and individual trips), purchases, gifts, and receipt of items confiscated at customs (per the Washington Convention).

The Latvian National Museum of Natural History is a Scientific Authority ratified by the Washington Convention (CITES), and works to raise awareness on the country’s wetland status as stipulated by the Ramsar Convention.

The Latvian National Museum of Natural History is a member of the International Council of Museums, and a member of the Latvian Museum Association.

Address and details

The Latvian National Museum of Natural History is one of the oldest multi-disciplinary museums of natural sciences in the Baltics, and it holds the largest collection of natural specimens available to the public in Latvia. The history of the museum dates back to 1845, when representatives of the Baltic German intelligentsia founded the Riga Naturalist Society (Der Naturforscherverein zu Riga) with a museum and library.

The museum’s specialists regularly create thematic exhibitions on current issues and subjects dealing with the natural world, ecology, and environmental protection. The museum’s annual mushroom exhibition, which has been organised by museum staff every autumn for over 60 years now, has become one of the museum's most famous features.

In summer and autumn, the museum holds a variety of exhibitions on the flowers, fruits and vegetables that are grown in Latvia.

The Latvian National Museum of Natural History is located in a historical building that has been declared as a State Cultural Monument, yet the museum has been redesigned as much as possible to be accessible to people with reduced mobility and visitors with a baby carriage (i.e. the elevator from the first to the sixth floor). We are also gradually making other improvements (for example, we provide information in Braille, exhibit tangible items, etc.).
We strive to be open and accessible to all. For the convenience of visitors we have provided:

The mobile app “Dabas muzejs”

The app is an interactive tool that will enhance your museum visit experience. You will discover more about specific subjects or showcased specimens in museum’s exhibitions. By reading short descriptions, listening to audio guides, viewing 360⁰ images, photos, videos, and occasionally testing yourself in a game or two, you will learn more about natural history of Latvia and the world.