The Lidmašīnu muzejs (Riga Aviation Museum) is located in Riga, the capital city of Latvia, and is one of the largest aviation museums in the Baltic region. It is dedicated to the history of aviation, with a particular focus on military aviation and aviation technology. The museum offers an extensive collection of aircraft, aviation artifacts, and historical documents related to aviation in Latvia, the former Soviet Union, and internationally.
Lidmašīnu muzejs (Riga Aviation Museum)
Skultes iela 35, Skulte
Mārupes novads
LV-2108
+371 26862707
The museum will is moved to a new place on the other side of the Riga airport in Skult.
If the gate is locked you need to phone the number on the ticket office to gain entry
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
22 26 38 92 22 CCCP-32418 01 CCCP-46346 CCCP-46400/YL-LCD D-EMEH 38 CCCP-24057 ES-1022 72 21 22 CCCP-31449 09 17 – 20 – 09 14 58 40 76 10 06 94 74 16 15 34 30 60 52 27 43 – – – – 53 CCCP-42328 CCCP-45052 RA-65717 CCCP-65698 YL-LAB 17 CCCP-38342 22 OK-ZKC | Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Antonov An-2 Antonov An-2 (fuselage) Antonov An-14 Antonov An-24B (cockpit) Antonov An-24B Cessna 150A Ilyushin Il-28 Kamov Ka-26 Let L-13 Blanik Let L-13 Blanik Mil Mi-2 Mil Mi-2 Mil Mi-4A Mil Mi-6 Mil Mi-8T Mil Mi-8 Mil Mi-24A Mil Mi-24V Mil Mi-26 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15UTI Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15UTI Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21SMT Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21US Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21UM Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23M Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23MF Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23S Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-25RBS Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-25U Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-27K Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29UB Sukhoi Su-7BKL Sukhoi Su-7UM Sukhoi Su-17M4 Sukhoi Su-24 Sukhoi Su-24 Sukhoi Su-27 Tupolev Tu-22M0 Tupolev Tu-104A (cockpit) Tupolev Tu-124B (cockpit) Tupolev Tu-134А-3 Tupolev Tu-134B (cockpit) Tupolev Tu-154B2 WSK SM-1Wb Yakolev Yak-18T Yakolev Yak-28R Zlin Z-37A |
This aviation museum is unique in the Baltic countries and one of the largest in Europe. Its collection of Soviet aircraft is also the greatest outside of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Key Features of the Riga Aviation Museum:
- Extensive Aircraft Collection:
- The Lidmašīnu muzejs features a large collection of military and civilian aircraft, including Soviet-era planes, propeller-driven aircraft, helicopters, and jet aircraft.
- The collection includes several iconic aircraft such as MiG fighters, Antonov cargo planes, Sukhoi aircraft, and other notable aircraft from the Cold War period, reflecting the significance of aviation in the Soviet Union and its influence on Latvia during that time.
- Soviet Aviation:
- The Lidmašīnu muzejs has a special emphasis on Soviet aviation, showcasing aircraft that were used during Latvia’s time as part of the Soviet Union, as well as aviation technologies developed by the Soviet Union.
- Exhibits include aircraft like the MiG-21, MiG-23, IL-14, and L-39, offering a look at the designs and engineering of Soviet military aviation.
- Civilian Aviation:
- The museum also highlights civil aviation, displaying aircraft that represent the history of commercial aviation in Latvia and the wider Soviet Union. There are model planes and airline memorabilia that illustrate the evolution of air travel in the region.
- The museum includes civil aircraft models and interactive exhibits related to airline travel and aviation technology used in the transport of people and goods.
- Aviation Engines and Equipment:
- The museum houses numerous aviation engines, propulsion systems, and aviation equipment that were used in military and civilian aircraft.
- Visitors can explore the engine technology behind different aircraft and learn about the advancements in aerodynamics and propulsion.
- Historical Documents and Memorabilia:
- The Lidmašīnu muzejs also has a collection of historical documents, photographs, and aviation uniforms, helping to tell the story of aviation history in Latvia, particularly during the Cold War era.
- These documents provide valuable insights into the military history and the role of aviation in various military conflicts and international relations.
- Educational and Interactive Exhibits:
- The Riga Aviation Museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs that are designed to engage visitors of all ages. Through these programs, visitors can learn more about the history of flight, aviation engineering, and aviation safety.
- The museum serves as an educational space for students and aviation enthusiasts to explore the science of flight and aviation’s role in history.
- Temporary Exhibits and Events:
- The Lidmašīnu muzejs regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that may focus on particular aspects of aviation, such as aviation pioneers, military aviation history, or aviation technology innovations.