About the building

The museum is located in the building of the Riga Jewish community, a historical building which was once a Jewish club and theatre. It was built from 1913-1914 by the architect Paul Mandelstam. In 1926 the building underwent renovations to accommodate the performances of a Jewish theatre troupe. Various public organisations and a Jewish library were also located in this building. Jewish celebrations were often organised here including weddings, lectures, shows and meetings. From 1941-1944, during the Nazi occupation of Latvia from, a German officers’ club was located here. During Soviet times the building served as a place of political education; various ideological events as well as congresses of the Communist party were held here. The building was given back to the Jewish community in the early 1990s. Currently the building is a state-protected architectural monument.