SELF DIRECTED TOUR - Riga DIRECTED TOUR of buildings of Art ... less interesting art nouveau...

RIGA – A METROPOLIS of ART NOUVEAURIGA – A METROPOLIS of ART NOUVEAU

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SELF DIRECTED TOURof buildings of Art Nouveau or Jugendstil style around

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The Art Nouveau architecture of Riga

Shortly about Art NouveauShortly about Art NouveauArt Nouveau emerged around the turn of the 19th

and 20th centuries and become significant throughout all Europe. The style embraced all of the visual arts – painting, graphic art, applied art, and especially architecture, where it developed a very special spirit. The imagery, mood artistry and power of expression peculiar to Art Nouveau entitle it to be ranked among the most striking phenomena in the 20th century art. And as you will see Riga is a genuine metropolis of Art Nouveau, because in no other city in the world does this style appear in such a concentrated and multifarious way.

Copyright © Patricia Tourist Office, Riga, Latvia


Patricia Tourist Office

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Excursion starts hereExcursion starts here

Patricia Tourist Office

Vilandes street

Rupniecibas street

Elizabetes street

Antonijas streetAlberta street

Strelnieku street

O.Kalpaka boulevard

J.Alunana street

K.Valdemara street

Lacplesa street

Skolas street

Gertrudes street

End point of excursionEnd point of excursion

Now you must go straight till Merkeļa street and then turn right on Merkela street.


If you start your tour at: Patricia Tourist Office When you come out of building on Elizabetes street you must turn right. Go stright till Marijas street and again turn right. At the left side you can see supermarket and train station.

On Merkela street you must go straight about 70 metres, there you will see trolleybus stop with kiosk. (notice: here on this street there are 4 different stops, first for bus, second for trolleybus and so on, if the sign has letter T on, then it is trolleybus stop!).

Wait for the (19.) Trolleybus and get in (each car has a conductor, give them your faire (coin “20”) directly and they will give to a ticket. There are no transfers. Combination of coins totaling 20 santims is ok.).

When you see that on the left side there is a fountain and piramids of glass you must get out of trolleybus.

Now you are on the Kalpaka boulevard. Turn left.

Now go straight along Kalpaka boulevard till crossing. On the left side

you can see park and on the right side there are lovely buildings.


Excursion starts hereExcursion starts here Now you must turn left and cross the

street.

Here starts your excursion in Art Nouveau.

Now turn right and go straight along Elizabetes street.

Here on the left you can see a piece of Berlin wall. Go straight.


Stop at the building on Elizabetes 13 (dated 1904) on the corner of Rupniecības street. It is build in the rational art nouveau style, with pediments shaped in romantically stylized German Renaissance style.

On the right side across the street you will see very beautiful houses, there is a restaurant “Vincents” downstairs.

The architect of this building is Konstantins Peksens (1859-1928) He was the first Latvian architect who graduated from the Polytechnic Institute – a man of knowledge and perspective. He designed churches, council houses and other public buildings in small towns. Absolute leader among the architects of Riga. Counting all his buildings in Riga, Peksens can boast as many as 250. (notice: when you will go back, you will see better those buildings, because if you watch them from this side of the street you will see only leafs.)

On the left side is park and World trade center, with café and restaurant inside.

When you have passed World Trade center turn right and cross the street to Vilandes street.

Now you must go along Vilandes street up to Vidus street. Here on Vilandes street you will find most important achievement of R.H.Zirkwitz, a graduate of the Polytechnic Institute, topped by his own house on Vilandes 1 (1898). Some of the buildings are not renovated



Luxurious late eclectism period building with grandstand louver. Facade made in saturated Baroque style and Rococo forms, but art nouveau appears in plentiful stair space. In 1995 building was renovated and as tower was burned they build a new one instead.


And on the other side of street there is a building on Elizabetes street 11 (1897), V.Lunskis. Construction of late eclectism. In a staircase there are renovated wall paintings of art nouveau. Vilandes 2 and Rupniecības 1 (1903), R.Cirkvics. is the same building, both facades of the building, which are on parallel streets, are made analogicaly in composition of decorative eclectism using similar ornamental elements – masks, geometrical forms and motives of herb.

There is Adventist Church on Vilandes 9 (1887, Heinrich Scheel) It was built as German baptist congregation chapel, later it was renamed as New baptist church. Eclectical “brick style” architecture has reflexed motives of Middle age. A gleam of Middle Age architecture can be seen in the facade of the building on Vilandes 12 (1909), traces of national romanticism – on Vilandes 10 (1908). The architect of both buildings is Konstantins Peksens. Buildings on the other side of Vilandes street have been designed by Rudolph Heinrich Zirkwitz (1857, Warsaw-1926, Riga).

Vilandes 11 and 13 (1899 – 1900) R.Cirkvics. Saturated neobaroqal eclectism forms in architecture of facade has been changed in process of construction. They included into composition separate elements of decorative Art Nouveau. In this case specific are entrances of building, made in form of key hole. A lot of these buildings need renovation (notice: if you take a photo, security for these buildings may ask you why are you taking picture.)


If you stop at the crossing of both streets, you can observe and compare three different art nouveau buildings. The restrained buildings on Vilandes 14 (1909) and 16, designed by Peksens and dated 1910, represent so-called vertical art nouveau.

On Vidus street turn right and go till Rupniecības street. Here on the left side you can see Another K.Peksens house Vidus street 11 (1909).

When you are at the Rupniecības street again turn right and go stright ahead till Elizabetes street. It is recommended to go on otherside of the street because you will better see architecture of those buildings. Here on Rupniecības street you can see some less interesting art nouveau buildings, but there is one building on Rupniecības street 3 (1903, Konstantins Peksens) is notable for rich , elegantly ornamental reliefs that are completely incorporated into the vertically oriented art nouveau facade.


Here on Elizabetes street turn left and go till crossing, on the left side you can see building on Elizabetes street 13 (1904), K.Peksens. Rationalistic art nouveau building with expressive German renaissance pediments. Every storey has it`s own different size window because of apartment size and location. When you are at crossing look to the left side and you will see red building made of bricks on Pulkveža Brieža street 2. It was build in 1883. Initially this building owned it`s architect F.fon Viganovskis, and here was his bureau, you can see Middle Age architecture motives. And another building if you look left is on Pulkveža Brieža street 1 (1883), E.fon Trompovskis. Grandstand accent on the corner of block. Neogothic forms. This is on of the first artworks of E.fon Trompovskis. There was capital reconstruction of inside premises in seventies.

Here on this crossing you must go stright ahead passing Pulkveža Brieža street and Strēlnieku street.


Here on Strēlnieku street it is advised to cross the street on other side, because there is better view. Elizabetes street 21a (1910), M.Nuksa.

This building had projective cornice until 1966. Author of this building was a young Latvian architect.

Next building is Elizabetes street 23 Rent house (1903), H.Hilbigs, A.Gizeke. Architect made elegant facade using Berlin architect A.Gizeke design. Well-preserved face details, door casement, ornaments of stained glass in staircase.


Balconies

Now go straight ahead till Antonijas street and on the way you can see bright orange house, when you are at Antonijas street please cross it.

Then turn left and cross Elizabetes street and turn right and go straight some 30 metres, here you can have a look at two buildings (Elizabetes 10b and 33), designed by Mikhail Eisenstein (1867 – 1921).

Mikhail Eisenstein (1867 – 1921)

Most admired, at the same time most vocally criticise, most loudly heralded and most clearly

rejecte. From Germany, civil engeneer, main idea comfort beauty; every small thing must be

beautiful.Copyright © Patricia Tourist Office, Riga, Latvia


Elizabetes 10 b

The first building was finished in 1901, when eclectism in Riga was in decline and Art Nouveau was about to come in, therefore we see isolated elements of Art Nouveau in this, basically, eclectic building. We can see masks, herbs, geometrical forms. Reviewing the facade of other building, finished in 1903, we see very well that the roles have been swapped – this early art nouveau building shows traces of eclectic elements. Renovated in 2000 (M.Apsitis).


Elizabetes 33

Then turn around and go back to Antonijas street and turn right.Go along Antonijas street, here on Antonijas street 8 is Art Nouveau building with very strong accent of entrance, with winged dragons under the bay window. (1903), K.Peksens.

And then turn left to Alberta street, go straight ahead it till Strelnieku street. Here on Alberta street the first building you see is Antonijas street 13 (1910), A.Vite. Restrained, noble modest architecture in “Upright art nouveau” style without ornamental decorations. Entrance has neo-classicism motive. Now in this building you will find Jazepa Medina music school and practical esthetics school.


Alberta streetA better name for this street would be the street of Art Nouveau. Only the buildings No 5,9, and 10 represent eclectism; the rest are purely art nouveau buildings. Every building on this street is unique, every facade is a work of art.


Alberta street 1 – Rent house (1901), H.Sels, F.Sefels. This building was noticed and valued very differently. Architect A. Vanags: “What a sorrow for this pretty area, I have compassion for spent material and workforce. It is clearly noticable that father of this “work of art”“work of art” wanted to be to much “modern” and make something original. Time which was spent for that reason could be used better..”Alberta street 2 – Rent house (1906), M.Eisenstein.Alberta street 2a – (1906), M.Eisenstein. One of the most lavishly decorated Art Nouveau structures; the original ornamental wall painting of the entrance hall and stairwell was restored in 1990.(the staircase is worth a look as well, if possible). One additional decorative storey, through window – sky.

Alberta street 3/5 – Rent house (1900), H.Sels, F.Sefels. Tipical example of late eclictism with magnificent facade, with rich bulk of plastic.Alberta street 4 – (1904), M.Eisenstein. Eclectic decorative Art Nouveau, details and decorative scheme providing a certain accent in the streetscape. Renovated in 1998.

Alberta street 6 – (1903), M.Eisenstein. Eclectic decorative Art Nouveau.

Alberta street 7 – Rent house (1909), H.Hilbrigs.

Alberta street 8 – A.Poles apartment house (1903), M.Eisenstein. Eclectic decorative Art Nouveau, displaying alavishly ornamented elevation. The plan of the building corresponds to layout patterns published in German architecture journals at the turn of the century. Form!!!


Alberta street 9 – (1901) Rent house. K.Peksens, style of eclectism.

Alberta street 10 – This house has been build as Mironova school of Commerce in (1903), P.Mandelstams, style of eclectism and this is only the one eclectism building in this street. Now in this house you will find University of Latvia, faculty of geography.Alberta street 11 – Rent house. J.Nierdes house (1908), Eizens Laube. One of the architecture symbols of National Romanticism, imitating elements of wooden architecture. Laube drawed inspiration, initiation and impulse from those year architecture of Finland. Latvinization appears as countrified serious, solid abstinence. Different kind of plaster and it`s dark-grey, rough texture with wood and other natural materials. Motive of sun in bay window made from copper strips on Tringeres natural slate plaster. Very similar composition of front Laube repeated in building, which is in Aleksandra Caka street 83/85.

Alberta street 12 – (1903), architects E.Laube, K. Peksens (Peksens apartment house…1907) Rent house. Rational Art Nouveau presenting certain romantically stylized details taken from German Renaissance (zelminu siluets) and Medieval architecture (pildrezgis augsstava).


The general appearance of the building is close to that of National Romanticism. The 4th (5) floor accommodates the museum of painter J.Rozentals and writer R.Blaumanis (memorial flat). Home flora and fauna – needle, cone, squirrels. Decorative shape – balcony, loggia. In a window aperture – lovely stained glass, which has disappeared from the staircase, impressive circular stairs, in seventies this building lost it`s red tiles, now it is quickly rusting tinplate. This building approaches ideal – to make everything what is practical beautiful.

Alberta street 13 – (1904) Rent house. M.Eisenstein, A.Lebedinskis In the years 1999-2000 building at Alberta street 13 underwent not only a scrupulous renovation of the facade, but also of the enourmously ornate interior of the building. The structure now houses the Riga Graduate School of law, various offices and the Riga Art Nouveau Center.


Still Riga law school

Now you must turn left to Strelnieku street and go along it. Exceptionally rich in sculptural and ornamental decorations is the facade of the building on the corner of Strelnieku street 4a (1905, Mikhail Eisenstein). This building was rebuilt in 1994 and adapted to the needs of the Riga School of Economics. Now you can glance at the Art Nouveau building on Strelnieku 2 (1911, Martins Augusts Nuksa).


When you are at the big cross, you must turn left and cross Elizabetes street and go up straight to Kalpaka boulevard.


Go along it, at the left side you will see embassy of Finland and embassy of Ukraine.

Pass Antonijas street and go straight till J.Alunana street.Here turn left and go straight along this street, here on the right side you can see building on J.Alunana street 2a and Andreja Pumpura street 5 (1906), A.Lindbergs, K.Vasaserna, A.Vanags.

Go straight ahead, here on the left side is a building on Krisjana Valdemara street 23 (1901), H.Sels, F.Sefels, A.Gizeke. That is known work of “Scheel & Scheffel” Rigas architects bureau. Facade with severally stylized romantic details. Pediments in German renascence forms, made from Berlin architect A.Gizekes design. In decoration predominates art nouveau ornamentation. Staircase with stained glass and woodcut. In eighties building workers reconstructed underpass to yard and now you won`t find it. Doors to yard is made like authentic from those times, with ornament script. Now here is a hotel.


Pass A.Pumpura street and continue your way till Elizabetes street.Now turn right and go straight ahead, on the opposite side of Elizabetes street, on the corner of Jeruzalemes street (this street got a new name in 1998, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the state of Israel), we can see a dark, vertically oriented art nouveau building in its most clasical sense, with ornamental decorations (built in 1913 by Arthur Medlinger) Elizabetes street 45/47.Continue your way till K.Valdemara street, and then turn left.

Building in Pumpura street 5 is one of the few early 20th centuries building, which design was not made by inhabitant of Riga. Every storey of this building has 4 apartments and all premises has natural light, even wc. Building made in forms of tipical National Romanticism. In nineties has been destroyed face details of premises inside.


Version of National romanticism, which differs of other A.Vanags or E.Laube buildings. Similar pediment you can see in other his buildings. Natural materials and colourness. Krisjana Valdemara street 20 (1907) H.Hartmanis. Building with all conveniences seven or eight room flats. In art nouveau ornamental decoration you can see womenkind figure in central pediment. There is a probability that those figures made A.Folcs, which workroom was on the other side of the street in Krisjana Valdemara 31.

Pass Dzirnavu street and continue your way, here on the left side are three buildings by the side. Krisjana Valdemara street 33 (1909-1912 E.Frizendorfs), (1924-1925 P.Kundziņš), (1977 V.Rauhvargere, Z.Kalinka, J.Gertmanis) wide inner yard. Krisjana Valdemara street 35 (1874) G.Vinklers Wood house with luxurious eclectic decoration. In 1926 E.Laube projected inside of premises and made them for Latvian trade and industry chamber needs. Renovated in 1999. There are exhibition premises. Krisjana Valdemara street 37 (1912) E.Laube “Upright art nouveau” style with architectonic decoration plastic. On the right side across the street you can see building on Krisjana Valdemara street 18 (1910) A.Melvess.


Next street is Lacpesa street, you must turn right and cross K.Valdemara street

And then go by Lacplesa street until Skolas street. Here on Lacplesa street 4 (right side) you can see K.Peksens building which was built in 1905. One of the first buildings of latvian national romanticism.

Here on Skolas street turn left and go until Gertrudes street, here on the corner of Lacplesa street and Skolas street you can see another “Upright Art Nouveau” style house in Lacplesa 7 (1907)

Turn right and cross Skolas street (notice: may be hard to see, because there is a tunnel under the building).

P.Mandelstam, actually next three houses on Skolas street are too “Upright art nouveau” style houses. In Skolas street 22 you can see neo-classicism, but in Skolas street 20 you can see functionalism of 20th century, because of comfortable flats, which has five or six rooms and good inner decoration.

Go along Skolas street and you will see Old Saint Gertrudes lutheranic church, which is in Gertrudes 8, you can go around. Project was made in 1863. And first stone was build in 1865. In 1866 it was under the roof. And it was sanctified in 1869.This is outstanding neogothic monument.


One of the luxurious J.D.Felsko churches. This is one of the most magnificent curches which was made by J.D.Felsko. In this red brick building many of the gothic form details was made in cement cast.Spike is 63 metres high and made of copper. A lot of stained glass windows where you can see subjects from bible. Many of those windows was made in 1907.in Riga stained glass workshop of E.Tode.

Near the church on the right side you can see vertically oriented art nouveau building - Rationalistic art nouveau. That is in Baznicas 31 (1908), P.Ribenzams. Facade is reserved, but you can see sculpture of Saint Gregorian on the facade. This house was renovated in 1998.


Continue your way along Gertrudes street till Brivibas street, then turn left and go till Stabu street, here on Stabu street turn right and go along it till Terbatas street and then turn right to Terbatas street, go straight till Gertrudes street and then turn left, go till Barona street and if you want to Caka Street. Now you are on your own… enjoy!

Here your excursion may end, but if you want more and are not yet tired, there is additional route with much more art nouveau buildings to admire!


Tour design concept by: Mareks Krumins

Patricia Tourist office staffPatricia Tourist office staff

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SELF DIRECTED TOUR - Riga DIRECTED TOUR of buildings of Art ... less interesting art nouveau...

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