Splendid Palace Cinema (Riga Cinema), Riga

Located in the heart of Riga on Elizabetes Street, Splendid Palace Cinema, formerly known as "Riga Cinema," is an iconic cultural venue that has captivated film enthusiasts since its inauguration in 1923. This historic cinema was the pioneer in the Baltics for screening sound films, marking a significant milestone in regional cinema history.

Splendid Palace is not only renowned for its cinematic offerings but also its architectural grandeur. It holds the distinction of being Riga's first ferroconcrete building, designed by the esteemed architect Frīdrihs Skujiņš. The building's design is an exquisite example of Rococo style, providing a uniquely ornate backdrop for moviegoers. The interior is equally impressive, featuring wall and ceiling paintings by Hermanis Grīnbergs and sculptures by Rihards Maurs and Jēkabs Legzdiņš, enhancing the cultural experience with every visit.

The cinema's programming is diverse, featuring films from various international film festivals, special film days, and retrospectives of classic cinema in cooperation with foreign embassies and cultural centers. Regular film club screenings are held, with past programs including "Berlinale", and film days dedicated to Nordic, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Kazakh, and Japanese cinema, showcasing a rich variety of global film artistry.

Beyond films, Splendid Palace enriches its repertoire with live broadcasts and recordings of opera and ballet performances from the world’s foremost opera houses and festivals, including La Scala and the Salzburg Festival. Concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions are also featured, broadening the scope of cultural activities available to visitors.

Visitors to Splendid Palace can also engage in excursions that explore the cinema's historical nuances and the stunning Neo-Baroque premises, which are steeped in legends and rich historical narratives. Splendid Palace remains a key cultural landmark in Riga, offering a memorable fusion of historical architecture and contemporary cinematic and cultural experiences.