Māris Liepa Monument: A Tribute to Ballet Excellence

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A modern stainless steel sculpture honoring the legendary Latvian ballet dancer Māris Liepa near the Latvian National Opera in Riga.

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Māris Liepa Monument

The Māris Liepa Monument in Riga commemorates the celebrated Latvian ballet dancer, Māris Liepa. Located near the Latvian National Opera, the stainless steel sculpture captures Liepa's iconic pose and contribution to ballet.

A brief summary to Māris Liepa Monument

Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Riga, Central District, 1050, LV
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Māris Liepa Monument.

Visit the monument in the evening for a different perspective as the city lights reflect off the stainless steel.
Combine your visit with a performance at the Latvian National Opera to experience the art form Māris Liepa dedicated his life to.
Take a stroll along the canal after viewing the monument for a relaxing experience.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Freedom Monument, walk southwest along Aspazijas bulvāris. The Māris Liepa Monument is located on the left, next to the Latvian National Opera, along the canal. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
Public Transport

Take tram lines 11 or 7 to the 'Nacionālā Opera' stop. The Māris Liepa Monument is a short walk from the tram stop, next to the Latvian National Opera. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Riga. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Latvian National Opera will cost approximately €6, including the starting fee and per kilometer charge. Ride-sharing apps like Bolt are also popular.

Discover more about Māris Liepa Monument

The Māris Liepa Monument stands as a tribute to Māris Rūdolfs Liepa (1936-1989), an acclaimed Soviet Latvian ballet dancer considered one of the best male ballet dancers in the world. Unveiled on September 5, 2013, as part of the Latvian National Opera's 150th-anniversary celebrations, the monument is a gift from philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev to the city of Riga.The monument is located to the left of the National Opera House, along the canal. The five-meter-high stainless steel sculpture rests on a granite pedestal and captures Liepa in a classical ballet pose. Created by Estonian artists Jaan Toomik and Jiri Ojaver, the monument has become one of the most significant outdoor artworks in Riga since Latvia regained its independence.Māris Liepa's career included performances with the Riga Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet for over 20 years. He danced leading roles in classics such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle. His portrayal of Crassus in Spartacus earned him the Lenin Prize in 1970. The Latvian National Opera hosts annual Māris Liepa memorial concerts organized by his children.