Over 130 museums all over Latvia will participate at the European Museum Night on May 19, an event that this year is at the eight edition in the country. The motto “The Blue Color – The Sea” is unique to Latvia, and is the first in a three year cycle in anticipation of 2014 when Riga becomes the European Capital of Culture. 2013 will be the year of “The Green Color – The Woods”, and 2014 will see the programme focused on “The Red Color – The Amber.”
This year’s motto reveals some of the specific of the programme, that will include, aside museum, participation from a number of theatres, concert venues, libraries, and other cultural centers, even churches. Latvia’s entire life and history is strictly related and dependent on the sea. The sea provides a source of beauty and inspiration for artists, but also feeds the people, drives tourism, enables commerce, and so on.
The thematic Museum Night will reveal Latvia’s deep connection with the blue color of the sea, and also will provide the ground to ponder how the sea can be protected in the future, and which are the best ways t o exploit the sea to continue providing for Latvia economic independence?
Each museum will feature its own interpretation of the theme. While many museums will show how the see impacts shipping, fishing and health, some will not focus on the sea, but on the color, with exhibits such as blue porcelain, blue crafts and so on.
Most museums will open their doors Saturday at 19:00 local time, with free entrance and a variety of programmes to enhance their exhibitions. Special public transportation supporting the event will be provided till late at night, about 02:00 – depending on the city.
