Latvian Folk Art Museum
Latvian Folk Art Museum
The Latvian Folk Art Museum located at 4146 N. Elston is an off the beaten path stop on your next visit to Chicago. This museum is dedicated to the hard work and contributions made to Chicago and the world at large by the Latvian people.
This museum has a long standing exhibit of traditional Latvian clothing and toys. You will see antique wedding outfits, celebration and dancing costumes and many types of toys that were traditionally used by Latvian children around the turn of the 20th century. Handmade dolls that were loved by little girls to rolling toys and simple throwing toys are part of the collection.
There is also an interesting section that shows a lot of the tools used to create the toys and art works that are on display in this fun facility. There are a large number of textiles and handmade fabrics on hand for your viewing pleasure. The intricate designs are jaw dropping and many times there are wishes of good luck woven right in to the fabrics!
The Museum hours of operation are daily 10am-1pm, and by appt;
The Museum is closed holidays.
You will also be treated to numerous displays of handmade traditional clothing items and a few types of musical instruments that are traditional in the Latvian culture such as the kokle, pipe and some pulsatile instruments that create a uniquely Latvian flavor to all their musical endeavors.
This museum is not a regular tourist stop, but it's a great place to spend an afternoon learning about a diverse group of people that have quietly contributed quite a lot to the world.
