As I often say - there are ordinary buildings, and there are buildings like this. By this, I mean the ones that stick in the memory. 

Of course, the Art Nouveau Museum is housed in an Art Nouveau building that has some charming details. My knowledge of Art Nouveau architecture is minimal. But when I walked down the street, I immediately understood which house was the one I was looking for. Because this one, thanks to its tower, stood out against the background of other buildings. Although I must admit that the nearby building of the School of Economics also made me want to take out the camera.

Same as when you go to visit someone - you have to ring the doorbell to get in.

After entering, you will see a luxurious spiral staircase. It's the one that appears in countless Instagram pictures. You have probably seen them if you have searched for images of the Art Nouveau center.

As I later learned from the video, the lobby and staircase were the reflections of the owner of the house. What does this say about him? I would say it screams money (laughs). And talks about good taste. I got the feeling that when visiting such people, one should wear something more elegant. But there will still be a chance to dress up. 

Get to know Riga's Art Nouveau buildings in the digital exhibition section

Let's start with Art Nouveau architecture in Riga. A visual story will tell you about all those buildings we pass by every day and don't notice at all. So challenge yourself - try to find houses you know by looking at pictures or addresses and learn a little more about them. 

On the second screen, you can feel the bittersweet feeling of looking at what Riga once was. Do you know what the so-called "Bird meadow" was? It's something related to gondolas in Riga. But I won't tell you the answer. You will have to find it in the slides on the screen.

Watch the video to learn more about a typical Art Nouveau apartment

Do you know which everyday things were new and considered luxury items in the Art Nouveau apartment? One of them is "the place where even the emperor walks by himself". If you know what I mean. 

But to find out more, you will have to watch a video on one of the screens in the basement. In addition, you will also learn about the layout of the Art Nouveau apartment, which serves as an excellent introduction to the tour. I definitely recommend watching it before exploring further. 

The heart of the exhibition - Art Nouveau apartment

Time has truly frozen here.

You enter the room, and all the luxury of Art Nouveau opens before you - delicate decorations on the furniture, ceiling, curtains, and dishes. Everything is in its place - the chess pieces are arranged for the game, and the table is laid for dinner. It is not difficult to imagine a young girl entering the living room and start playing the piano. While the hostess will invite you to sit on one of the fine chairs. Because the maid still needs some time to finish cooking dinner. 

I visited the Art Nouveau Center during the Christmas season. So I also saw a lot of beautiful holiday decorations, postcards, and a grand Christmas tree with all kinds of ornaments. From ballet shoes to an ostrich. 

But since the hosts are nowhere to be seen, it is also possible to look into those rooms where guests are not usually allowed, for example, the utility rooms. 

Unusual items on every step

Have you heard of a wooden fridge?

The kitchen was one of the most interesting rooms for me. I found various unusual appliances in it. As well as to my modern human perception, funny dishes in the shape of animals. Squirrel, fish, crab. And, of course, the old stove with metal rings. Stoves like that forever remind me of my great-grandmother's house, which was sadly bulldozed a long time ago.