The Art Museum Riga Bourse stores the largest collection of foreign art in Baltic States. The collection was started by Riga’s council members, mayors and traders in the 19th century. Now the museum offers international exhibitions and a wide spectrum of cultural and arts events.
The Museum is located in the Riga Bourse building that is an architectural monument of national importance. The building was constructed from 1852 to 1855 following Venetian Renaissance palazzo forms that symbolise wealth and abundance. The building was designed by an architect from St. Petersburg of German origin Harald Julius von Bosse (1812-1894).
After its successful reconstruction, the Art Museum Riga Bourse on its six floors now houses modern exhibition halls, various expositions, seminar and conference rooms, souvenir and art catalogue shop, as well as a café. Among other novelties, special relaxation areas and application of modern technologies, including audio guides for local and foreign guests must be mentioned.
The exposition of the museum reflects perception of the 19th century on the 21st century and strives to reconstruct the atmosphere of the time, taking the best of it but not copying. On the 4th floor there is the Painting Gallery, located in the Venetian and Makart halls, featuring a classical exhibition of West European paintings, which, in terms of visual impression, are close to the 19th century understanding of the structure and placement of artworks. The ornate interior of the Venetian Hall is perfect for Dutch, Flemish, German, French, and Italian art. The pride of the collection is the paintings by North European artists from the 17th century.
The Western Gallery is allocated for the magnificent West European porcelain collection from the 18th-20th century and stories about collectors from Riga. The gallery is intended to reflect the atmosphere of the 19th century, since that was the time, when the German society of Riga focused on interior design and enthusiastic collecting. The greatest treasures of the gallery — porcelain from the Meissen Royal Porcelain Factory of 18th century.
The Silver Room, which lies alongside the Western Gallery, is fairly small, and dedicated to the early 20th century, when national self-confidence was very much on the rise in Latvia.
The Gallery of Oriental Art on the 3rd floor is home to a major collection of art from the Far East and the Middle East. The museum is proud of the largest Oriental art collection in Latvia and one of the largest in the Baltic States. The museum’s collection includes several traditional culture masterpiece collections that reflect various aspects of religion and everyday life in Asia. There is a wide exposition of traditional art of Japan, China, India, and Indonesia. The safe of the gallery houses the popular Ancient Egyptian art exposition that includes an Egyptian mummy in a wooden sarcophagus.
After reconstruction, the 1st floor halls have been turned into modern exhibition halls offering international exhibitions.
The museum offers audio guide services providing stories about 37 pieces of art, as well as separate stories about the museum building and each gallery of the museum — all in all 42 stories in Latvian, English, and Russian.
You can also choose a guided tour around the museum. Excursions in Latvian, English, Russian, and Spanish are offered for various age groups. Guided tours must be booked in advance (look for more information on the museum’s website).
Why visit
Art Museum RIGA BOURSE is Latvia’s main museum for foreign art. Its collection features paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Housed in a striking historical building, the museum offers changing exhibitions, peaceful gallery spaces, and special events year-round.
Historical highlight
The museum is housed in the historic Riga Stock Exchange building, an ornate 19th-century structure designed in the Venetian Renaissance style. It originally served as a hub for international trade - a fitting home today for a museum that brings together art from across the globe.
How to get there
Art Museum Riga Bourse is located at Doma laukums 6, just steps from Riga Cathedral in the heart of the Old Town. The museum is easily accessible on foot while exploring Vecrīga and is close to many other major attractions.
