Participants will step into the shoes of researchers and use scientific equipment in an interactive learning environment to explore how human health and survival are interconnected with the existence and well-being of other organisms.

The Research Laboratory for Children will host two workshops: ‘How Humans Breathe’ and ‘Where Does Oxygen Come From.’ The workshops include guided exploration of selected exhibits in the museum’s permanent exhibition and hands-on activities in the interactive learning space designed by Latvian fashion duo MAREUNROL'S, featuring a 10-meter-wide multilayered tapestry. Participants will investigate their own breathing process and discover how oxygen, vital for life, is produced. The workshops do not overlap in content, so attending both is recommended.

The workshops aim to provide knowledge about scientific and ecological topics while fostering creativity, practical skills, and emotional intelligence – essential for caring for oneself and the environment. Activities and equipment are designed for families with children aged 7–11 to work together: adults assist children in using equipment, conducting research, creating models, and engaging in discussions.

1st Workshop: "How Humans Breathe"
07.12.2024. 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
08.02.2025. 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

During this workshop, participants will explore the story of the iron lung in the permanent exhibition, use a stethoscope and spirometer to study their bodies, and build models to understand the human respiratory system.

2nd Workshop: "Where Does Oxygen Come From"
08.12.2024. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
08.02.2025. pl. 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

This workshop explores the origins of oxygen using authentic lab equipment. Participants will prepare microscopy specimens to examine plant structures at the cellular level. They will also view historical versions of microscopes in the permanent exhibition, dating back to the 17th century.

Target Audience: Families with children aged 7–11
Duration: 2 hours

Payment Information: Advance payment required via the "Mobilly" app. Fee: EUR 7 (includes 1 adult + 1 child). Additional tickets for extra children cost EUR 2 each. Limited availability: Maximum of 15 participants per session.
Language: Latvian
Contact Information: nodarbibas@mvm.gov.lv, +371 26644548

Why are we discussing the skeleton on someone’s birthday? Because, as the child grows, it is their skeleton that undergoes enormous changes: the bones increase in length and width, the bone tissue hardens. The human skeleton also possesses many other superpowers which we are going to discover during the event. The event is composed of three parts: an introduction set in the museum’s Learning Room; an interactive tour of the permanent exhibition; and the conclusion with creative activities and brought-in birthday treats.

Target audience: children between ages 7 and 10

Duration: 2.5 hrs
Type of payment: advance payment upon signing agreement
Price per event: 60 EUR + entrance fees to the permanent exhibition
Maximum number of participants per event: 15
Language: Latvian
Booking: by filling out the application form and sending it to e-mail nodarbibas@mvm.gov.lv, 26644548

View activity description and rules here (in LV)

Available dates

On Thursdays, the start time of the birthday is, by agreement, in period 11.00 - 15.00:
November 21.11.24; 28.11.24 BOOKED
December 12.12.24; 19.12.24
January 23.01.25.; 30.01.25.
February 13.02.25.; 20.02.25.

On Saturdays, the start time of the birthday is, by agreement, in period pl. 11.00 – 14.00:
November 09.11.; 16.11. BOOKED
December 07.12. BOOKED
January 11.01.25. BOOKED; 18.01.25.
February 22.02.25.

How were epidemics fought in the Middle Ages? What did "man as an open book" mean to Renaissance physicians? What do vaccines have to do with cows? Who used the iron lung? What devices were used in hospitals in Latvia 100 years ago? What do humans need for space travel?

During the tour visitors are accompanied by a guide and walk through the main exposition of the museum – expositions of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, 18th and 19th centuries and Latvian medicine in the 20th century, as well as the exposition of space biology and medicine. 

Target audience: families with children aged 7+ 

Duration: 1 hour
Type of payment: advance
Price per event: in Latvian EUR 10, in English EUR 15
Maximum number of participants per event: 25
Language: Latvian, English
Booking: nodarbibas@mvm.gov.lv, 26644548

During the game players representing immunity (IMUNO) or pathogens (PATO) move around the playing field taking up the game territory with their squares. The winner is the one who has occupied as much territory as possible and has gathered points in a strategically more successful way, by choosing more valuable playing fields. There will be gains and losses as well as surprises during the game – just like in our daily lives.

Age: from 7 years old

Number of players: 2–6
Game duration: 25–40 min
Game preparation: 15–25 min
Required: printer, scissors, glue and adhesive tape

Download game files (in Latvian) here!
IMUNO colored version
Game rules
IMUNO game
Envelope for storage

IMUNO black and white version
Game rules
IMUNO game
Envelope for storage

To make the game even better, leave your comment about the game here: Feedback form

Share the progress of the game and your experience on social networks using the hashtag #spēleIMUNO

Board game IMUNO is developed within the framework of European Social Fund project No. 9.2.4.1/16/I/001 “Integrated health promotion and disease prevention measures”. The game was developed by Pauls Stradiņš Medicine History Medical in cooperation with SIA “Kolektīvs”.