ART NOUVEAU DISTRICT

Considered the metropolis of Art Nouveau, Rīga proudly displays a third of the buildings from this architectural and artistic movement. But the richness of this heritage is mainly due to the eclecticism of the facades. In addition to conventional Art Nouveau, there are also beautiful examples of the so-called "national romanticism" and Nordic Art Nouveau. We can start with the buildings on Elizabetes Street, at the corner of the Esplanade Park, which are known for their Art Nouveau facades, designed by Eisenstein, the father of the film director. Number 10b, built in 1903, is full of figures related to symbolism and remains the major monument of this movement in Latvia. Number 33, on the opposite side of the street, is also a victim of the "fear of emptiness" that characterizes typical Art Nouveau facades, and is displayed in all its splendor. Alberta iela Street (from no. 2 to no. 12-9, the apartment of the painter Jānis Rozentāls) represents one of the most beautiful and rare concentrations of Art Nouveau facades in the world. It should be noted that this street, has not yet benefited from the renovations that have been taking the city by storm in recent years. On Strēlnieku Street, No. 4 also offers an abundance of sculptural and ornamental motifs. In the old town, No. 8 on Smilšu Street also looks good. Through the glass door of the building, the visitor is given the opportunity to see the Art Nouveau paintings and sculptures that also decorate the entrance.