The Mentzendorff’s House, a 17th-century building in Riga’s Old Town, houses a museum that informs visitors about the life of a wealthy resident of Riga, as well as the culture and traditions of the city in the 17th and 18th centuries.
At Mentzendorff’s House
- See fully-restored period interior of the 17th-18th centuries with unique wall and ceiling paintings
- Witness the oldest table, furniture, and other unique items from the collection of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation
- Visit the centuries-old shop room, kitchen with chimneypiece, drawing room, dance hall, “poet’s room”, chapel, landlord’s room, girls’ room, see the old cellars and a romantic attic that now house exhibition halls
- See various exhibitions that are regularly held at the Mentzendorff’s House
- Visit glass workshops to see artists at work, or take part in the process if you wish
- Paint tiles as Dutch artists did centuries ago
- Attend concerts, poetry readings, cultural days of ethnic minorities, and other events
- Enjoy historical meals served at an authentic period table
Museum’s collection
There are over 2,000 items in the museum’s collection – accounts of the history of museum building and the lives of people who once lived there.
The Mentzendorff’s House is a branch of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation.
Mentzendorff’s House
The museum has been named after its last owners, the merchant family of the Mentzendorffs, which lived in the house at the beginning of the 20th century. The shop of August Mentzendorff used to sell the best coffee in Riga.
The building still has close ties with the descendants of the Mentzendorffs, who have supported various activities of the museum both morally and financially.
Centre of Glass Art and Studies
In the 17th century, the building accommodated a glass workshop run by Jurgen Helm. In line with the tradition, there is a contemporary glass workshop at the Mentzendorff’s House today.
