The Ministry of Finance took over the museum buildings from the Ministry of Culture 20 years ago. VAS “State real estate” was transferred to management. It says that – for more than 15 years, a Management and Use Agreement has been concluded with the museum. It provides that the full management, maintenance and long-term investment planning of the property is carried out by the museum itself. Raising money is also the museum’s responsibility. Currently, the museum does not pay for the premises. The manager offers to conclude a lease agreement. Then you would have to pay the rent, which would allow you to plan some maintenance work. But it would still not solve the issue with fundamental repairs, for example, the leaky roof, heat, water supply, collapsing ceiling.
The condition and wear and tear of the museum building has already reached about 40%, which can be described as unsatisfactory. Management and use contracts are said to have been concluded with other museums. This helps to accumulate a special fund to be used for larger works. And do not lower the condition of the building. As we were told by the Ministry of Finance – the Ministry of Culture has requested money for the renovation of the museum for the next 3 years – a total of almost 3 million. As well as the money that would allow us to conclude a lease. This would require another 394,200 euros per year. But the answer of the Ministry of Finance is laconic – taking into account the limited possibilities of the state budget, the requests were not supported.
Several projects are shown in the museum. The oldest was made before the crisis in 2008. Reconstruction papers have been written, money has been sought. But they have not been implemented. The museum staff are afraid that the building will have to be closed due to some serious accident. The Minister of Culture offers to sit at the table for both ministries and look for a solution. Because she doesn’t have the answer to what to do at the moment.
According to the director of the Riga History and Shipping Museum, many technical problems in the museum have been solved only thanks to Imantas Zaulas, who in his 80s is still trying to save the collapsing ceiling, pipes and roof in conditions of total lack of money.
