Art Nouveau History in Riga

The architects responsible for designing the Art Nouveau buildings in Riga ranged from Baltic Germans, Jews and newly graduated ethnic Latvians. Today, Riga's Art Nouveau buildings make up a third of all buildings in the city center.

A good tip is to start the trip with a walk through the Historic Center, just to get to know the city better. Then you can move to one of the locations below. We guarantee you won't regret it.

Perpendicular Art Nouveau, National Romantic Art Nouveau, and Neoclassical Art Nouveau.

Alberta Street

Most buildings were designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, and some by Konstantīns Pēkšēns and Eižens Laube, a teacher and his student. The buildings are decorated with sculptures, decorated balconies, columns and other Art Nouveau elements.

Riga Art Nouveau Center

Located on Alberta Street, the Riga Art Nouveau Center is the only museum in the Baltics showing the full history of the Art Nouveau movement. The Art Nouveau Center Riga is housed in a building by Konstantīns Pēkšēns, one of the most famous Latvian Art Nouveau architects.

During the tour you will not only learn about Art Nouveau, but also how the previous owners received their guests, how people behaved and much more.

The Art Nouveau Center of Riga is open every day (except Mondays) from 10am to 6pm.

Have a coffee in Riga's Art Nouveau style

Sip a coffee and a slice of cake at this art nouveau boutique Siena cafe on Alberta Street.

Take a free Art Nouveau tour of Riga

If you want to travel on a budget, it is a good idea to take a free guided tour of the Riga Art Nouveau. Guided tours take you through Alberta Street and Elizabeth Street, as well as some less popular examples of Art Nouveau.