Latvian National Museum of Art

Overview

The Latvian National Museum of Art (Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs) is the country's premier art institution, housed in a grand Baroque Revival building from 1905. The collection spans Latvian and Baltic art from the 18th century to the present, with over 52,000 works.

Highlights

• Latvian Masters: Works by Janis Rozentāls, Vilhelms Purvītis, and other founders of the Latvian national art movement.
• Top-floor gallery: A bright, skylit space for rotating contemporary exhibitions.
• Architectural splendour: The renovated grand staircase and ornamental ceilings are artworks in themselves.

History

Opened in 1905 as the City Art Museum of Riga, the building was designed by Wilhelm Neumann in a synthesis of Baroque and Classical styles. A major renovation completed in 2016 added underground galleries and restored the original interiors.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Free admission on the last Sunday of each month.
• Tip 2: Don't miss the rooftop terrace with views over Esplanade Park.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.