Next Saeima to decide on state support for Barricades Museum

Latvia’s next parliament will consider whether the state should help fund the 1991 Barricades Museum, LSM reported. A draft law would change the private museum’s status and place it under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

The museum tells the story of the January 1991 barricades in Latvia, describing them as a global example of nonviolent resistance. It is based in premises owned by the Association of Barricades Participants in Old Riga. The museum’s collection belongs to the association and is also part of the National Museum Collection.

The museum currently relies on support from the association and takes part in project funding competitions. Museum director Renārs Zaļais, who took part in the barricades, said it needs about 150,000 euros a year to operate. He said the events should be recognised as a source of national pride and that the museum should remain a place where young people can learn from previous generations.

The Culture Ministry drafted the bill after a request from the Saeima’s Education, Culture and Science Committee. Under the proposal, the museum would continue to receive donations, income from the association’s commercial activities and grants from the State Culture Capital Foundation. The state would also be able to contribute to its funding.