The exhibition shows how the place and role of animals in the city and in the everyday life of its inhabitants has changed over the centuries, and how contemporary perceptions and attitudes towards animals, their use and protection have evolved.
In Riga, as in other cities, pets are the most common everyday pet, as well as animals that live at large in the city. Some are cherished and loved, others are tolerated, and still others are fought. However, the presence of animals in the everyday life of Riga's citizens goes far beyond what is visible in the urban environment. Animals are trained as assistants at work and are still found in the entertainment industry. They are used for food, clothing, household and luxury items, etc.
Two interrelated and complementary themes have been chosen to guide the exhibition from a wide range of topical issues: the presence of animals in the city and human attitudes towards animals.