Photographic negatives collection
The extensive collection of more than 140,000 photographic negatives is a unique visual record of Latvian cultural history from the second half of the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century. The collection extensively documents architectural, archaeological and ethnographic objects, as well as urban and rural lifestyles.
Over 3,000 photographs taken by the teacher and local history enthusiast Oscar Emil Schmidt (1846–1917) depict late 19th century and early 20th century towns, castles, manor complexes, sacred sites, farmsteads, industrial sites, natural and historical monuments. In terms of volume and territorial coverage, it is one of the most significant collections of photographs taken by a single person in Latvia.
Some 53,000 photographic negatives pertain to the work of the Monuments Board, founded in 1923. Until 1944, this institution organised ethnographic and archaeological expeditions, as well as surveys of architectural sites. The collection preserves photographs taken during ethnographic expeditions, showing crafts, farming, livestock breeding, fishing, daily life and celebrations, residential and public buildings. The images from archaeological expeditions show ancient sites and the progress of their excavation. The architectural surveys include detailed photographs of sacred and secular buildings.
Several thousand photographic negatives describe Latvia after World War II, including the devastation of war, newly established collective farms, industrial enterprises, urban and rural architecture and landscape, etc.
There are several hundred photographic negatives reflecting the events of the Third Awakening: demonstrations, rallies and the barricades in Riga.
Head curator of the collection Gunita Baumane
In order to research the museum’s collection in person, those interested are invited to fill out the contact form, indicating the topic of interest and the chronology. After receiving the form, a museum specialist will contact you.