Art Nouveau is an art style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The development of Art Nouveau in Riga coincided with a time of unprecedented prosperity in the city’s history. Today, the capital of Latvia is considered an Art Nouveau mecca, and exploring the buildings from the period is one of the most visually striking things to do in Riga.
Art Nouveau district
Art Nouveau architecture is mainly concentrated in the city’s so-called Quiet Centre, located about a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. This neighbourhood is one of Riga’s most distinctive areas, where entire streets are lined with ornate facades that reflect the creativity of the early 1900s.
The highlight is Alberta iela, often called the pearl of Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture. Built in just seven years between 1901 and 1908, the street is a showcase of decorative detail and architectural experimentation. Eight of its houses are recognized as monuments of national significance, with sculpted faces, floral motifs, and balconies that make every building unique.
Art Nouveau architecture in Riga
Riga is home to one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, with nearly a third of its centre built in this style. When visiting Riga, don’t miss the chance to admire some of the city’s finest Art Nouveau buildings. At Elizabetes iela 10b, you’ll find one of Mikhail Eisenstein’s most dramatic creations, with striking mascarons, flowing lines, and ornate balconies that give the facade a theatrical presence. On Alberta iela 1, the design is more restrained yet equally striking, marked by symmetry and elegant proportions. Nearby, the building at Alberta iela 2a draws attention with playful details and lavish ornamentation, while the neighbouring houses along the same street form a continuous showcase of early 20th-century creativity.
Art Nouveau Museum
Along Alberta iela you’ll also find the Art Nouveau Museum, located in a building designed by Konstantīns Pēkšēns. Inside, a restored apartment recreates how Riga’s elite once lived at the beginning of the 20th century, complete with original furniture, stained glass, and elegant detailing.
Why visit
Visiting Riga’s Art Nouveau district offers two experiences in one. Outside, the streets of the Quiet Centre themselves are a living gallery, where each facade tells a different story of the city’s golden age. Inside, many of the buildings host stylish eateries, bars, shops and galleries, allowing you to combine sightseeing with other activities.
Historical highlight
The rise of Art Nouveau in Riga mirrored a period of rapid growth in the early 20th century, when the city was booming both economically and culturally. The style became a way to express wealth, modernity, and individuality, resulting in a large number of the buildings in city centre being constructed in this form. Though wars and political shifts have left their mark, modern day renovations preserve both the artistry and the atmosphere of that vibrant time.
How to get there
The Art Nouveau district is located in the Quiet Centre, about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Old Town. The district is easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport, with several tram and bus routes stopping nearby. However, there are many other notable Art Noveau buildings strewn across the city centre.
