The Architecture to Visit During the Riga Biennial

Located in between Old Riga and the Art Nouveau district in the picturesque Kronvalda Park, is the grand former Faculty of Biology of the University of Latvia. Built in 1898, architect Johanness Kohs chose a Neo-Renaissance style for what would become one of the Soviet Union’s scientific powerhouses. Although the laboratories, wood-panelled libraries and auditoriums lay empty, it still houses two working museums – of zoology, and the history of chemistry and botany. The former institution has ideally been commandeered as the main venue of the biennial with works throughout the expansive complex.
Address: Kronvalda bulvāris 4, Rīga

The architect and entrepreneur Kristaps Morbergs donated a number of his properties to the University of Latvia, including his apartment on the Riga Boulevard circle. Overlooking Freedom Square, the residence still retains a number of its Art Nouveau features including a striking stained-glass window, ornate tiled furnaces, parquet flooring and embellished ceiling ornaments. It also has Riga’s first ‘shower cabin’ with its polychrome-glazed tiles.
Address: Zigfrīda Annas Meierovica bulvāris 12, Rīga

As with many cities around the world, former industrial buildings make for ideal artist studios. Such is the case with this former textile factory as Latvian artist Andris Eglītis has renovated one of the outhouses into an impressive studios, which actually is being used as one of the biennial venues. The factory opened in 1913 and produced footwear. During the First World War it became the site for a military hospital. In 1941, its purpose changed yet again and it became a weaving workshop and spinning mill, taking the name of Bolshevichka. However, since 1990, the building has lain empty.

Address: Ganibu dambis 30, Rīga

Another area of Riga undergoing redevelopment is Andrejsala. Once a member of the Hanseatic League, Riga was an important trading port which played a crucial role during the Russian Empire. But after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the once prospering port which is on the banks of the Daugava River is today just a reminder of a former glory with its abandoned warehouses. As Andrejsala is transformed into a destination for culture, its post-industrial backdrop is the perfect location of works in the biennial that explore obsolescence.

Address: Andrejostas iela 29, Rīga

Want to see more culture in Riga? Read about the first Riga Biennial