When I first visited Riga nearly two years ago, I was there on a business trip, staying at a hotel situated on the edge of the historic city. This location gave me the opportunity to step out with my camera both in the morning and after work in the afternoon. At that time, I could only explore the historic city, which had developed in the Hanseatic tradition. However, my colleagues told me that after a business dinner, a small group of them, along with a few locals, went out to see a district with “beautifully decorated buildings”. It was evening, and some of the buildings were illuminated, allowing them to see the decorations clearly. A year later, when I returned to Riga and had the chance to take a guided tour early in the morning, we went straight to that place.

The Art Nouveau district in Riga, located primarily in its central part, especially around Alberta Street and Elizabetes Street, is a captivating area renowned for its unique collection of early 20th-century architecture. It comprises dozens, perhaps even more, houses designed in a highly ornamental style, adorned with elaborate sculptures. These elements are not just additions but are seamlessly integrated into the buildings, enhancing both their functionality and aesthetic appeal. The facades are well-maintained, and you can see the detailed restoration work.

Art Nouveau emerged as a response to the classical style, particularly the Neoclassical style, which dominated academic art and architecture. Academic art refers to the artistic style and practices promoted and taught in European fine arts academies, especially from the 17th to the early 20th century. This style is characterized by a strong connection to classical traditions, a focus on the idealization of forms, technical mastery, and often a high level of formalism. In architecture, historical styles such as Neoclassicism and Neo-Gothic were predominant, and a restrained use of decoration based on ancient arts was closely linked to the principles and aesthetics taught in academies.

Art Nouveau broke away from these conventions, introducing greater freedom in forms and experimenting with new materials and techniques. The main goals of Art Nouveau were the revival of craftsmanship and the promotion of the idea that decorative arts, such as furniture design, glass, and ceramics, should be treated with the same respect as traditional fine arts like painting and sculpture. Art Nouveau aimed to create a new aesthetic that was both beautiful and functional, utilizing innovative forms and materials and integrating art into everyday life.

Below is a gallery of photos that I took in the Art Nouveau district in Riga.