Where to See Art Nouveau in Riga, Latvia: Exploring The Art Nouveau District, Riga

Wondering where to find Art Nouveau in Riga?

The Latvian capital of Riga for many brings to mind wild parties and cheap beer, or for the more sophisticated, the pretty cobbled streets of the UNESCO world heritage historical centre. But did you know that Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture? 

The amount of Art Nouveau in Riga is impressive. About a third of the buildings in the capital are designed in this style. Latvia’s capital actually has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings anywhere in the world! If you’re a fan of Art Nouveau, Riga will leave you in awe!

Characterised by their ornate appearance, you could spend hours trying to spot all of Riga’s most beautiful buildings. You’ll find Art Nouveau buildings dotted all over the capital including the Old Town – 

In this article, I’ll tell you exactly where to find the best Nouveau architecture in Riga. Let’s go!

Art Nouveau, Riga – Useful Info

Whether you’re looking to spot buildings in the historic centre or head straight to the Art Nouveau district, Riga has plenty of opportunities to spot this gorgeous architectural style. 

This section has some useful tips and info about spotting art nouveau architecture in Riga.

What Is Art Nouveau Style?

The majority of the Art Nouveau buildings in Riga date between 1904-1914. Art Nouveau is an ornamental design style. It takes inspiration from nature and organic forms, so some of the key features are long vine or branch-like shapes, with profiles of leaves and flowers intertwined.

Often Greek-like and Mythical figures, busts or faces of humans or animals feature in this over-decorative style.

What Does Nouveau Mean?

Art Nouveau literally translates to New Art or New Style, where designers were actively trying to get away from any previous design eras. Art Nouveau design can be seen in architecture, jewellery as well as wallpaper prints and household products. 

Sometimes, the Art Nouveau here is referred to as Riga Jugendstil, this is a German word that translates to Youth Style.

Art Nouveau vs Art Deco

The Art Nouveau movement emerged in the late 19th century and is characterized by its emphasis on natural forms, curvilinear lines, and organic shapes. 

In contrast, Art Deco, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, embraces geometric shapes, straight lines, symmetry, and modernist influences. 

Why Are There So Many Art Nouveau Buildings in Riga, Latvia?  

Riga is a seaport city and at the time one of the most important under Russian rule. By the end of the 19th century, Riga had seen both an economic and population boom – between 1897 – 1913, the population grew by 88%!

Historically, Riga was a walled city, but due to the need to expand, the walls were demolished between 1857 and 1863 and replaced with, at the time, a modern city of tree-clad boulevards, gardens and parks.

With its new-found prosperity, and growing population Riga expanded. A whopping 300-500 buildings were built per year during the early 20th century, both inside and outside the Old City walls and nearly all of them were in the Art Nouveau style.

A young designer called Eižens Laube was a student of Konstantīns Pēkšēns – the founder of much of the style you see in Riga. 

With the city’s expansion, the economic boom, and pioneering architects for their time, it was the perfect storm. This is why Art Nouveau in Riga is so prevalent.

The Best Art Nouveau Riga Tours

Although you could discover Riga Art Nouveau architecture by yourself, if you want to know more about the history behind the buildings then there are plenty of walking tours of Rigas Art Nouveau District. 

Here’s the best Riga Art Nouveau tour: 2-Hour History of Art Nouveau Walking Tour, Riga

Getting Around Riga

In the main tourist areas like the old town, it’s really walkable. The Riga Art Nouveau district is a little way from the historic centre, however, the route takes past lots of beautiful architecture and through a park – I enjoyed the short walk. 

Riga also has a cheap and reliable public transport system including trams and buses which will take you to all the main areas quickly and efficiently.

Alternatively, you might want to use the Riga hop-on-hop-off bus which will cover all the highlights of the city as well as give you some history and background along the way.

The Riga Art Nouveau Museum

Because of Rigas’s status of being the Art Nouveau capital of the world, naturally, there’s going to be a museum dedicated to it. 

Built in 1903, number 12, Alberta Iela (Alberta Street) was once the home of Konstantīns Pēkšēns (1859 – 1923). He designed over 250 buildings in Riga, including the one which now houses the Art Nouveau Museum, Riga. This was also his home, Peksens lived and worked here until 1907.

When you enter the building the first thing you’ll notice is the strikingly grand spiral staircase. Be sure to look up and see the decoration that adorns it. You can walk up the stairs although you’ll mostly be greeted with closed doors. There’s a fee to enter the museum, however, you can see the staircase in the foyer is free. 

The entrance to the Riga Art Nouveau Centre is on the ground floor. Inside the museum, you’ll see a beautifully restored apartment complete with Jugendstil Riga-style decoration, furniture and fittings. As well as information about the history of Art Nouveau in Riga. 

Location: Alberta iela 12, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 18:00 pm

Where to Stay in Riga

When visiting Riga, staying in the Old Historic Centre allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Here are my recommendations:

Boutique Accommodation in Riga – Hotel Neiburgs

Budget Accommodation in Riga – Red Nose Hostel

Where to Find Art Nouveau in Riga

Just by strolling about Riga Old Town, you will come across loads of buildings in the Art Nouveau style. There are over 800 buildings in the centre and the surrounding areas! 

Like with everything, some examples are better than others. I’m not going to write about all 800 buildings, just the best-of-the-best and where to find them.

Art Nouveau Buildings on Alberta Iela (Albert Street)

This street is named after Bishop Albert, the founder of Riga in 1201. Alberta Ilea (Albert Street, Riga) is one of the main streets to see amazing examples of Art Nouveau in Riga. 

Many of the buildings along this street feature the work of architect Mikhail Eisenstein (1867-1921). His buildings feature not only the typically long lines and natural forms seen in all Art Nouveau-style buildings but also incorporated the use of bright colours over the top and lavish ornamentation. 

Check out Eisenstein’s use of human forms and animals in his work. 

Art Nouveau Buildings on Elizabetes Iela (Elizabetes Street)

Out of all the beautiful Riga architecture, one of the most iconic and probably most photographed buildings can be found on the corner of Elizabetes Street.

The building stands out with its bright blue facade heavily decorated with gigantic white faces.

It was designed by the architect, Mikhail Eisenstein – if you read the section earlier about the Art Nouveau museum, this is the guy that used to live here.

Art Nouveau Buildings on Antonijas Iela (Antonijas Street )

Located between Alberta and Elizabetes Street you’ll find Antonijas Iela. 

Although there aren’t quite as many outstanding buildings along here, there are a couple of really pretty facades and entrances which are worth seeing. I loved this one with the two dragons perched on the doorway.

Art Nouveau Buildings on Jauniela Iela (Jauniela Street)

So the two streets I’ve talked about so far, Alberta and Elizabetes Street are located right in the heart of Rigas Art Nouveau district.

While you’re on your hunt for the Rigas’s stunning architecture, don’t overlook some of the buildings located in Riga Old Town. 

Jauniela Street boasts some great examples. A couple of the more notable buildings are now hotels, so be sure to look at both Justus and Neiburgs Hotel for some beautiful examples of Art 

Map of the Art Nouveau District, Riga

Find a self guided Riga Art Nouveau map here. Find the best Art Nouveau architecture Riga offers. Of course, there is so much more – but this covers the main highlights. 

Art Nouveau Riga – FAQs

If you are planning to visit these beautiful Riga buildings, this section gives answers to any questions that weren’t covered in the main article. 

Ready to explore Art Nouveau in Riga?

Regardless of how short your stay is in Riga, I highly recommend taking at least a couple of hours (by all means more than that!) to explore some of the country’s most beautiful budlings. The Art Nouveau in Riga is simply gorgeous!

When you ‘get an eye’ for spotting Art Nouveau style, you’ll see so much of it all over the city, it’s no surprise that Riga is the Art Nouveau capital of the world.

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