Gorgeous Art Nouveau in Riga: Architecture Guide
Art Nouveau architecture became all the rage at the turn of the 20th century. It swept across Europe and was quickly adopted by architects, artists and designers. While most people might think of Barcelona, Vienna or Paris as the places to see examples of Art Nouveau, the highest concentration of this architecture is in Riga, the capital of Latvia. From stunning façades on stately old buildings to ornate doorways and whimsical balconies, Latvia’s capital is where you should go to discover an architectural treasure trove of wonders.
I didn’t know much about Riga before I went there. Then I came face to face (quite literally, but more about that later) with its architecture. It was a bit like stepping back in time, but instead of looking at a black-and-white picture, I saw it all vividly and in colour. Needless to say, Art Nouveau in Riga was love at first sight.
A brief history of Riga’s architectural heritage
Before diving into Art Nouveau in Riga, it’s worth noting that Riga’s architectural story begins in the Middle Ages when the city was founded by Bishop Albert. The historic center, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers various architectural styles, from medieval structures to wooden buildings that have survived centuries. However, during the period of rapid economic growth in the early 20th century, when Riga was part of the Russian Empire, the city truly transformed into an architectural marvel.
What is Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau is a style that emerged at the end of the 19th century and lasted until the First World War. It was a time of technological innovation that saw a transition towards a more industrialized and urban society. The world saw new manufacturing processes and major power shifts, which caused a lot of social anxiety. Art Nouveau, literally new art, was a direct response to these changes.
It evolved from the British Arts and Crafts and Aesthetic movements and was influenced by elements of Japanese art that were very popular in Europe then. The architects and artists behind this new movement wanted to create a unique style that was like nothing else before. They rejected the historicism and rigid rules of the past and looked towards nature for inspiration. Art Nouveau was also known as Jugendstil in Germany, Stile Liberty in Italy and Modernismo in Spain.
Art Nouveau style
Everything about the Art Nouveau design was about natural forms, curves and organic lines. There is a lot of symbolism, florals, botanical and abstract designs, as well as intricate patterns, earthy colours and diverse use of materials. You can also see a lot of asymmetrical compositions, rivets, arches and curved forms.
Thanks to the technological advances at the time, wrought iron and curved and stained glass were widely used in Art Nouveau designs. While there was a pull toward the natural world, there was also a fascination with the female form. Females were often incorporated into the designs as sirens or fairies. The style’s popularity extended to furniture, posters, fabrics and jewellery.
Art Nouveau vs Art Deco
These two styles are sometimes confused with each other as they share some similar design elements. However, there are also significant differences between the two styles. Art Nouveau is characterized by flowing, organic forms inspired by nature. Think Belle Epoque – big, handlebar moustaches, top hats, sun umbrellas and large hats. Artists like Gustav Klimt, Aubrey Beardsley and Alphonse Mucha.
Art Deco, on the other hand, is more about geometric shapes and bold, streamlined designs influenced by modern technology and industrialization. It embodies opulence and embraces mass production and new materials. Think The Great Gatsby, the colourful buildings in Miami, the Chrysler building in New York City or artists like Tamara de Lempicka and Le Corbusier.
Art Nouveau architects
Several notable architects associated with this movement, whose work can still be seen all over the world. They also often worked closely with other artists and craftsmen to create design elements of buildings, like furniture, lighting and decoration, that all fit together in harmony.
- Victor Horta: Belgian designer and architect, one of the founders of the Art Nouveau movement and creator of the first house in this style – Hôtel Tassel in Brussels.
- Antoni Gaudi: The Catalan architect behind famous projects like the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain, associated with the Catalan Modernist style.
- Hector Guimard: French designer and architect considered a leader of the movement. He designed France’s first Art Nouveau apartment, the Castel Beranger, and Paris’ Metro station’s iconic iron and glass entrances.
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh: Scottish designer and architect who influenced both Art Nouveau and Secessionism movements along with his wife, Margaret MacDonald. The Glasgow School of Art is one of his most famous projects.
- Mikhail Eisenstein: Russian civil engineer and architect who worked in Riga and designed many of the Art Nouveau buildings between 1901 and 1906. It’s believed that he was influenced by the designs of Hector Guimard while he was visiting Paris and the Vienna Secession movement.
- Konstantins Pekšens: One of Latvia’s most prominent architects who designed many of Riga’s Art Nouveau buildings we see today.
Art Nouveau in Riga
Riga’s architectural splendour owes much to its period of rapid economic growth during the early 20th century when the city thrived as part of the Russian Empire. During this time, there was a surge of Latvian nationalism and romanticism, which was perfectly expressed through the national romantic Art Nouveau style. Architects like Konstantīns Pēkšēns and Mikhail Eisenstein took full advantage of the economic boom to design buildings that celebrated not just modernity but also Latvian culture and identity.
One-third of the buildings in Riga’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are examples of Art Nouveau. This collection of buildings forms the heart of central Riga, with Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela being some of the best-known streets to explore.
Exploring Art Nouveau in Riga
There are many cities out there with architecture that speak to me, yet when I came to Riga, it was on a totally different level. Sure, there are many different styles of architecture here, all with their own appeal, but it’s the Art Nouveau in Riga that really stands out.
The first thing that grabs you are the many faces that seem to rise from the facades, pillars and archways. Some are almost grotesque, with mouths gaping open almost as if in a silent scream, while others are stoic, resigned to their fate. They are like characters from some fairy tales, ones I am unfamiliar with. Some are almost fantastical, while others seem futuristic, with round helmets, rivets and almost Art Deco-ish geometrical shapes.
There are ornately decorated columns, floral embellishments, asymmetrical details and rounded windows. You can also spot mythical creatures, including dragons, sphynxes, gargoyles, satyrs, griffins and fairies, among the many human faces and shapes. If you look closely enough and have an active imagination, you can almost picture them coming to life and leaping off the buildings. Then you have the sticking blue bricks contrasting with white columns, statues and bricks. Different shades of yellows, creams and pale pinks with wrought iron balconies and ornate gateways. The key here is to look up, as most of the magic happens above ground level.
Walking tour of Art Nouveau in Riga
There are many buildings scattered throughout the city where you can admire various Art Nouveau in Riga. Here are some noteworthy place where you can find Art Nouveau in Riga:
Alberta Street (Alberta iela)
This iconic street is the epicenter of Riga’s Art Nouveau district. Designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, its buildings are adorned with decorative reliefs, whimsical ornamental motifs, and unusual sculptures. Among the best examples are numbers 2, 4, 6 and 8, each featuring intricate natural elements, geometric ornaments, and human figures.
Elizabetes Street (Elizabetes iela)
This street is another showcase of Riga’s most beautiful buildings. The facade of the building at Elizabetes iela 10b, also designed by Eisenstein, features sky-blue tones and dramatic bay windows that draw your gaze upward. Antonijas Street and Strēlnieku Street nearby offer even more surprises for architecture lovers.
Audēju Street (Audēju iela)
Tucked away in the Old Town, Audēju iela is a fascinating mix of Art Nouveau styles. Here, you’ll find decorative motifs interwoven with elements of national romanticism that are reminiscent of Riga’s economic growth. While not as grand as Alberta or Elizabetes, the street offers a charming glimpse of how Art Nouveau influenced even Riga’s narrower, medieval streets.
Strēlnieku Street (Strēlnieku iela)
This street is a hidden gem within the Art Nouveau district. It features several buildings with bold designs and intricate decorative reliefs, some of which include geometric ornaments and natural elements. The blend of whimsical and structural precision on Strēlnieku Street makes it a great spot for those who enjoy spotting details like ornamental reliefs and bay windows.
Antonijas Street (Antonijas iela)
A short walk from the main Art Nouveau hubs, Antonijas iela is home to some of Riga’s most beautiful buildings. This area has an understated elegance, with apartment houses featuring decorative art and glass windows that glimmer in the light. The buildings here showcase the balance between functionality and artistry that defines Riga’s architectural heritage.
Riga Art Nouveau Museum
Housed in Konstantīns Pēkšēns’ former home at Alberta iela 12, this is the only museum in the Baltics dedicated solely to Art Nouveau. It boasts an authentic interior of an Art Nouveau apartment, complete with original wall paintings, period furnishings, and detailed descriptions of daily life during the era. Don’t miss the elegant dining room and the drawing rooms, each meticulously restored to reflect the style of Art Nouveau.
Sienna Art Cafe
Head to this charming cafe for a more immersive experience. The cafe’s decor includes antique furniture, light fixtures, paintings, clocks and an old-fashioned serving station that will make you feel as if you’ve gone back in time.
Recommended Art Nouveau in Riga tours:
Final thoughts on Art Nouveau in Riga
When it comes to architecture, there are many great cities out there to explore. Riga offers a mixture of architecture but it’s the Art Nouveau in Riga that makes this city so special. Unlike other cities, it has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings, which makes it easy to get a better appreciation for this style.
If you’re planning a trip to the Baltic States, make sure Riga is at the top of your list. Whether you’re exploring new buildings or gazing up at the upper floors of Art Nouveau masterpieces, you’ll find something to marvel at around every corner. Come see why Riga is celebrated as one of Europe’s largest cities for architectural beauty. You’ll leave inspired – and maybe a little in love.
