Corner House, Art Nouveau museum in central Riga, Latvia
Corner House is an Art Nouveau building completed in 1912 at the intersection of Brīvības and Stabu streets in Riga. Its red brick facade, stone embellishments, and architectural detailing create a distinctive corner presence that anchors this part of the city.
The building was constructed before World War I following modern European architectural trends. After Soviet occupation in 1940, it became the headquarters for secret police operations, a role it maintained until the collapse of Soviet control in 1991.
The building housed secret police operations for decades, and today its exhibitions focus on the stories of those who were interrogated and held there. The spaces themselves convey the weight of this dark chapter through their preserved layout.
The museum is located in central Riga and accessible by public transport or on foot. Visitors should allow time for the permanent exhibitions, as access to former prison areas requires prior arrangement or a guided tour.
The building's architect, Aleksandrs Vanags, was later imprisoned and interrogated within the same walls he had designed, after the Soviets took control. This tragic connection between creator and structure remains a poignant aspect of the site's darker history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
