Cat House, Art Nouveau residential building in Old Town, Riga, Latvia.
The Cat House features two cat sculptures with arched backs mounted on its towers, decorated with medieval and Art Nouveau architectural elements throughout its facade.
Built in 1909 by architect Friedrich Scheffel, the building gained attention when its owner positioned cat sculptures with raised tails toward the Great Guild in protest.
The building represents the social dynamics between merchants and guilds in early 20th century Riga through its architectural details and symbolic decorations.
Located at Meistaru iela 10 in the center of Old Riga, the Cat House contains residential units and a restaurant on the ground floor.
Following a legal dispute, authorities required the owner to turn the copper cat statues around, changing their original position facing the Great Guild building.
Location: Riga
Architects: Friedrich Scheffel
Architectural style: Art Nouveau architecture
Website: https://www.liveriga.com/en/3177-cat-house
Address: 10 10 Meistaru iela LV-1050 Rīga LV-1050 Rīga
Website: https://liveriga.com/en/3177-cat-house
GPS coordinates: 56.95019,24.10843
Latest update: June 1, 2025 20:53
Art Nouveau buildings from 1890 to 1910 display ornamental designs, curved lines, and natural motifs. The architecture spans from railway stations to private houses, featuring decorative facades, wrought iron details, and stained glass windows. These structures across Europe combine craft traditions with industrial techniques.
Explore Latvia's most notable sites, from medieval castles to Baltic seaside resorts. This collection features ten destinations that showcase the country's cultural and natural variety, including historical heritage, national parks, and cities with a rich history.
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