Riga Bourse Art Museum

Overview

The Riga Bourse Art Museum (Mākslas muzejs Rīgas Birža) occupies a sumptuous Venetian Renaissance-style building built in 1855 as a stock exchange. After a major restoration completed in 2011, it now houses the city's collection of foreign art, spanning from ancient Egypt to 20th-century Impressionism.

Highlights

• Building interior: Magnificent restored halls with marble columns, painted ceilings, and gilded chandeliers.
• Oriental collection: Japanese woodblock prints, Chinese porcelain, and Indian sculptures.
• European art: Works from the Dutch Golden Age, 19th-century German Romanticism, and French Impressionism.

History

Designed by architect Harald von Bosse, the Bourse was built to serve as Riga's stock exchange and trade centre. After Latvia's independence, it became an art museum, though full restoration wasn't completed until 2011.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The building itself is the highlight — don't miss the ornate central trading hall.
• Tip 2: Located directly on Dome Square, combine with a visit to Riga Cathedral.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.