Riga Art Nouveau Centre, Riga

Riga Art Nouveau Centre (Rīgas Jūgendstila Centrs) is the only institution in the Baltic States where you can get a complete picture of the historical heritage of Art Nouveau in an authentic environment highlighting the fruits of this art movement.

The Centre is one of the youngest museums in Riga. It is housed in an early 20th-century apartment where, after a thorough inspection of the premises, an authentic early-1900s interior has been recreated to reveal the facets of Art Nouveau to their fullest: from home planning to minute details, such as door and window handles.

The multi-story edifice, in which the museum is located, was completed in 1903 as a private residence for the prominent Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns; the blueprints were done in collaboration with Eižens Laube. The building’s trademark is a grandiose central spiral staircase.

The exhibits – pieces of furniture, tableware, paintings & sculptures, clocks, attire, embroidery, and other household items from the early 20th century – came directly, or indirectly, from the homes where they once played an active part in daily life. Also adding to the atmosphere are the lovely attendant ladies, dressed up in Art Nouveau style.