Groningen-Riga. De klassieke verbinding

Until the Second World War, there were vibrant trade relations between the Netherlands and Latvia.
The city of Riga was a bustling metropolis where many languages could be heard. Thanks to the timber trade, many Dutch people lived and worked in the city. Less well known is that the peat colonies of Groningen also maintained intensive trade connections with Latvia. Yet anyone visiting the Veenkoloniaal Museum in Veendam will be surprised by the wide array of objects, documents, and contracts that bear witness to this lively exchange.

This museum is the only one in the Netherlands to feature a dedicated Riga Room.

Nineteen artists—members of AKKA, the alumni association of the Classical Academy—drew inspiration from the stories, documents, and artifacts housed in the Veenkoloniaal Museum. The result: a remarkable exhibition and accompanying catalogue.