Museum of Decorative Arts and Design

The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design at Skarnu iela 10/20 in the Old Town of Riga, Latvia, occupies the former St. George's Church, a building that dates from the 13th century and was originally part of the Livonian Order's castle complex. The church was converted into an arsenal and later a museum space, and the dramatic high-vaulted interior with its brick walls makes a distinctive setting for the collections. The museum presents Latvian and European decorative and applied arts, design and craft from the 18th century to the present. Visitors can see textiles, ceramics, glass, metalwork, furniture and fashion, together with contemporary design exhibitions that change regularly. There is an emphasis on Latvian craft traditions, including ceramic art and textile work, and temporary exhibitions often bring international design to the Baltic region. A typical visit takes about an hour, although fans of design may spend longer. The building also offers a view into its medieval fabric, with arches and stonework visible alongside modern display structures. The museum is located next to St. Peter's Church and a short walk from Town Hall Square, making it an easy addition to a morning of Old Town sightseeing. Hours are usually Tuesday to Sunday from around 11:00 to 18:00, with closure on Mondays, and the website lists current times and exhibitions. Adult tickets cost about 7 euros, with reduced prices for children and students. Crowds are generally light compared with the major landmarks, and weekday mornings are the quietest. For photography, the best angle is from inside the nave, looking toward the vaulting, though flash may not be allowed in some galleries. Visitors can combine the museum with nearby shops that sell Latvian crafts and design objects on Skarnu iela, and with a stop at the St. Peter's Church tower viewpoint.