What shapes Latvia? Latvia, like any other country, is made up of countless things: history, traditions, culture, successes, difficulties and innovations, or from past, present and future. The main thing is to enjoy it all now. The opportunities for getting to know culture and art in Riga are wide and suitable for every taste, interest and age.
Museums
For those interested in motorsport, adults and children, Rīga Motor Museum is a must stop, where the largest and most diverse collection of motor vehicles in the Baltics is available. In addition, this museum is something much more than just an exhibition: various fascinating stories are woven through it, which are dedicated to the history of ancient cars, motorcycles and bicycles in Latvia and the world, covering the period from the end of the 19th century to the end of the 20th century.
For art lovers we recommend exploring art and culture in the Latvian National Museum of Art, where it is possible to visit both permanent exhibitions, which allow you to get acquainted with art created in Latvia in different periods, as well as view various periodic, thematic exhibitions. This is a place where you can definitely go with children, because the museum has thought about various educational activities for even the little ones.
Nature is largely what characterizes Latvia and what every Latvian is proud of. It can be seen in the Latvian National Museum of Natural History, the oldest complex natural science museum in the Baltics and the largest complex repository of natural resources in Latvia. Modern and interactive expositions, diverse exhibitions, guided tours, informative and diverse environmental education events, nature research, current events and news in the natural world, and extensive collections of natural resources await every visitor there.
Theatres
Latvians love performing arts. Latvians have long been a nation of singers who also appreciate a good theatre performance. Perhaps that is why both amateur and national theatres are available in Latvia. The biggest theatres provide an exciting repertoire every year to make the theatre season interesting for every visitor. You can enjoy the best features of Latvian theatre and feel the breath of history in an impressive theatre building at the Latvian National Theatre, which combines its traditions and a history of 100 years with a modern approach to the genre in its repertoire. An equally professional and at the same time slightly different experience will await you at Daile Theatre. It has the most brilliant history of directing theatre in Latvian culture. Its style was shaped by the founder, actor and director Eduards Smilģis, for over forty years. A slightly different and worldly experience can be enjoyed at New Riga Theatre, which offers its audience a smart, attractive and unusual repertoire - a modern perspective on the classics, original Latvian dramaturgy and works by foreign authors. But if you wish to get acquainted with an independent theatre experience, you should visit Gertrude Street Theatre, where representatives of various performing arts - theatre, dance and music - meet. Complementing each other, the theatre is developed as an experience that stimulates the readiness of the audience to accept challenges when encountering the unknown.
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet is a unique institution in its essence - it is the only one of its kind. It is a creative place where the interaction of arts and times takes place, where the classical meets the modern, the traditional meets the contemporary, opera meets ballet, music meets art, and ultimately the Latvian National Opera and Ballet - the stage meets the artist. The Latvian National Opera and Ballet creates high-quality art and provides the audience with an experience, adventure and surprise. In addition, it is the right place for tourists to visit, as most of the shows can be seen without language barriers.
Every year, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet offers an average of five new opera and ballet productions and several symphonic and chamber music concerts. Besides, the opera building itself is one of the pearls of Riga: the main facade of its building is marked by six powerful Ionian columns, above which the building's pediment is decorated with several allegorical figures - Apollo, symbols of tragedy and comedy, the genius of drama, The Latvian National Opera and Ballet offers an opportunity to visit the unique architectural monument of the 19th century, viewing its unique and magnificent interior.
Cinema
The cinema is a place to enjoy both the worldly and the local, and in Riga it is possible to combine a visit to the cinema with a unique experience. For example, Splendid Palace cinema is one of the most magnificent and oldest European cinemas, which has been delighting cinema lovers with excellent and high-quality cinema since 1923. The cinema's programme consists of a high-quality original cinema, art house films from Europe and other regions of the world, as well as works that have won recognition at world film festivals. In addition, the cinema building itself has an impressive neo-baroque facade, while the interiors dazzle with the diversity of the neo-rococo style. You can get a different cinema experience at Kino Bize, a cosy cinema built by friends in the centre of Riga. Its repertoire includes the latest original cinema from all over the world, as well as themed retrospectives, lectures and special events.
Real cinema gourmands will appreciate Riga International Film Festival, which takes place in the centre of Riga every autumn. It is an annual film festival that introduces the international film industry to current author works from the Baltic Sea region, Nordic countries, and domestic cinema viewers - to world news.
Stand-up and improvisation theatres
Stand-up and improvisation theatres are a relatively recent expression of art and culture in Latvia. Still, it is developing rapidly, and artists create high-quality content that allows you to laugh wholeheartedly. Most of Latvia's most talented comedians are united under one roof, or Comedy Latvia. This association searches for and finds the new handwriting of Latvian humour, they organise weekly free events or free microphones, individual stand-up shows, and also invite world-famous comedians to Latvia with their shows.
Also, a decent dose of solid entertainment is guaranteed at one of the shows organised by the improvisational theatres. Improvisations are based on chance, and performances are created on the spot, involving the audience. If you want to enjoy one of the performances, we recommend looking at the next events offered by Spiediens.
