Riga History and Maritime Museum Add an Object

The Riga History and Maritime Museum is a museum in Rigathat exhibits the history of Riga starting from its founding in 1201 and ending with the first half of the 20th century . The Riga History and Maritime Museum is the oldest public museum in Latvia and one of the oldest in the Baltic states, as well as one of the oldest in Europe. The museum's origins are considered to be the 18th century. It is based on the private collection of Riga physician Nikolaus von Himsel. After the physician's death, his mother, Katrīna von Himsel, fulfilled her son's posthumous wish and donated the collection to Riga. In 1773, the Riga City Council established the museum, naming it after Himsel. In 1791, the museum was relocated to the eastern wing of Riga Cathedral ensemble. In 1816, the museum opened the special Art Cabinet, and in 1881, by combining Himsel's museum with the city's numismatic collection, the City Coin Cabinet was created. In 1964, the museum acquired its current name, "Riga History and Maritime Museum".