The Museum of Photography of Latvia celebrates its 30th anniversary / Diena

The Latvian Museum of Photography is the only memory institution in Latvia dedicated to the medium of photography. The museum was founded in 1990 and opened its doors to the permanent exhibition on May 18, 1993. History of Latvian photography. 1839–1941. Since the opening of the museum, a wide program of changing exhibitions has been offered, where the multifaceted medium of photography is reflected in the works of Latvian and foreign authors.

Although the idea of ​​the need for a museum dedicated to photography dates back to the 20th century. at the beginning, the museum acquires a more realistic outline after the exhibition initiated and created by Pēter Korsak (1937) and associates Development of photography in Riga from the 19th century. on the other hand, until 1940 (1975) in the Riga History and Shipping Museum. The response and interest of the public in the exhibition favorably drives the processes, and on April 11, 1991, the new branch of the Riga History and Shipping Museum acquired the name of the Latvian Museum of Photography. Vilnis Auziņš (1948) became the head of the museum and the historian, as well as the historical expositions Development of photography in Latvia. 1839–1941 author – Pēteris Korsaks. Over a period of thirty years, the exposition has preserved Pēteras Korsak’s original intention – to introduce the visitor to the stages of the development of the history of photography in Latvia in chronological order.

Since the creation of the museum, the collection of the collection of the Latvian Museum of Photography has been started. The first head of the museum, Vilnis Auziņš, outlined the guidelines for creating the collection in the operational concept of the newly founded institution (1991–2000): “The main task of the Latvian Museum of Photography is to study the development of photography in the territory of the Republic of Latvia as a cultural phenomenon and to preserve the photographic cultural values ​​associated with Latvia.” Currently, the stock consists of more than 60,000 units.

Since 1977, museums all over the world celebrate the International Museum Day every year on May 18. It is a professional festival of museums and at the same time a great opportunity to draw attention to the efforts of museums to promote the intellectual, social and spiritual growth of society. The theme of Museum Day 2023 is Museums, sustainability, well-being. On International Museum Day, admission is free.

Those interested in the excursion are asked to gather at 12.00 and at 16.00 on the 2nd floor of the Latvian Museum of Photography.