- Address: Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia;
- Discovery: 1863;
- Phone: +371 67 073 715;
- Architect: Ludwig Ludwigovich Bonstedt.
The Latvian National Opera is the center of the country's musical life. On its stage the best actors, dancers and musicians perform. The building project was created with incredible scrupulousness. Despite the fires that destroyed it, it still retains the status of one of the most beautiful buildings in Latvia .
History of the National Opera
The building of the National Opera of Latvia was built in 1863. Then he was the first city theater. Since at that time the reconstruction of the center of Riga involved the Germans, then the project of the building of the theater was also given to the Aryans. Ludwig Bonstedt won the competition. The work of the architect liked Alexander II his luxury, devoid of pretentiousness.
The building was significantly distinguished from other "art houses" of the Russian Empire. It was more like an ancient Greek temple. The facade was decorated with a fountain with a statue of Apollo, which was in harmony with other statues, theatrical masks and muses. The Portico of the Theater is decorated with ionic columns, and above the pediment stood the "genius of drama" with a Greek mask and panther, which symbolizes fantasy. All the statues were made in Berlin, probably because of such participation of the Germans in the construction of the Opera, it has the unofficial name "German Theater".
The interior decoration of the Theater is no less beautiful. The hall is made in the Baroque style, it was lit by 753 gas lamps, the light from which penetrated through the mosaic glass of one large vial. Thus, an atmosphere was created, impregnated with art.
What is interesting about the Latvian National Opera?
First of all I want to note that the National Opera is surrounded by a park, a city channel and a boulevard. Walking around the opera itself will bring a lot of pleasure. Secondly, today in the Theater the attention of the viewer is presented not only by the opera, but also by the best ballet deliveries. Artists from all over the world take part in productions, which makes the performances even more profound and exciting. The Latvian National Opera has the most up-to-date equipment, thanks to which the music within its walls plays like it does not play in many Moscow theaters.
How to get there?
Near the landmark there are two tram stops:
- "Nacionala opera", routes 5, 6, 7, 9.
- "Aspazijas bulvaris", routes 3, 4, 6, 10.