Art Nouveau

At the turn of the 19th-20th centuries Europe was experiencing a prolonged period of peace; technologies developed and new opportunities in manufacturing and construction appeared. Not only raw materials and goods, but also new ideas and impressions traveled from colonies to metropolises. Thought grew more liberal. People got interested in history and exotic cultures. All of this impacted world outlook, art and architecture. The secrets of the East were alluring: spiritual searches, cabala, spynges, griffions and other mysterious and mytical creatures became fashionable. Ornaments of early Christianity as well as Celtic and Irish symbols were populair. It can be said with assurance that Art Nouveau is an art of symbols.

above: Alberta Iela 4

Designed by Mikhail Eisenstein (1904)

Left: detail building Alberta Iela 6

above (3) Buildings Alberta Iela 2 and 4 (1905)

 Arch. M.Eisenstein

Riga is one of most outstanding pearls of Art Nouveau. In 1997 it was included in the list of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage, recognizing that it has the finest concentration of Art Nouvau buildings in Europe, is like an open-air museum of Art Nouveau.

Left and above:

The Cat's House