The Museum of Decorative Art and Design (MDAD Riga) has been open to the public since 6 July 1989. The museum has seven collections: textile art, ceramics, metal, leather, decorative wood, and glass art as well as a design collection.

Permanent On Display

The permanent display introduces visitors to the work of Latvia’s leading artists in decorative art and design. It tells about the dominant styles and movements in the period from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Alongside the permanent display, the museum regularly offers a broad range of exhibitions.

Every year an average of five exhibitions are on display in the museum’s Great Hall. Special thematic shows associated with the permanent display are held in the vestibules on the museum’s upper floors.

Museum Exchange

When organizing exhibitions, the museum makes creative use of its collections and those of other museums to develop the public’s understanding of the history, present, and future of decorative applied art and design. When organizing exhibitions and educational programs, the museum collaborates with working artists, designers, and partner institutions in Latvia and abroad.

In its operations, the museum strives to show the current processes in decorative applied art, fashion, and design. The museum engages in interdisciplinary experimental projects that promote creative synergies between various branches of art.

An important role of the museum is to work on lifelong learning to encourage public interest in decorative applied art, craftsmanship, and design. The museum is actively involved in developing closer ties between creators and consumers as well stimulating the exchange of opinions among professionals.

There are regular series of various lectures and dialogues as well as creative workshops for children and adults. The series of conversations “Latvia’s designers have their say” has become especially popular in recent years. In its fourth season, the series has turned into a broader programme of events under the title of “Design Has Its Say”.