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Latvian National Theatre: A Stage for History and Culture

Witness Latvian history and culture come alive on stage at the architecturally stunning Latvian National Theatre in Riga.

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The Latvian National Theatre in Riga is more than just a performance venue; it's a monument to Latvian identity. Built in the early 20th century, it was here that Latvia declared its independence in 1918, solidifying its place in the nation's heart. Today, it continues to showcase Latvian art and culture with a diverse repertoire.

A brief summary to Latvian National Theatre

Local tips

  • Check the theater's website for the performance schedule and to purchase tickets in advance.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance to allow time for parking and finding your seat.
  • Consider taking a guided tour of the theater to learn more about its history and architecture.
  • Note that children younger than 7 are not welcome at evening performances for adults.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Freedom Monument, walk along Brivibas bulvaris in the direction of the Latvian National Museum of Art. Turn right onto Kronvalda bulvaris. The Latvian National Theatre will be on your left, approximately a 5-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Riga Central Station, take tram number 11 towards Mežaparks. Get off at the National Theatre stop. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. A single 90-minute e-ticket costs €1.50. Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding.

  • Taxi

    From Riga Old Town, a taxi ride to the Latvian National Theatre will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Riga start at €2.50, with an additional €0.70 per kilometer. Expect to pay around €6-8 for the trip.

  • Car

    If driving, navigate to Kronvalda bulvāris 2, Riga. Street parking is available but can be limited. Paid parking is available at the Jēkaba Arkāde parking lot (Zigfrīda Annas Meierovica bulvāris 8). The Latvian National Theatre offers a 50% discount for parking at Jēkaba Arkāde on the day of the show. Standard parking costs around €1-€2 per hour.

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Discover more about Latvian National Theatre

The Latvian National Theatre stands as one of Latvia's leading professional theaters, a place where history and culture intertwine. Housed in an eclectic building that is an architectural monument, the theater witnessed the proclamation of Latvia's independence in 1918. In 1897, Riga's City Council decided that the city needed another theater in addition to the German Theatre (now the Opera House). Architect Augusts Reinbergs won the design competition with his project, and construction began, funded largely by local Russian merchants and nobility. The theater opened in 1902 as Riga's Second (Russian) Theatre, hosting both theater and opera performances. Even though it was a Russian-language theater, the Riga Latvian Society rented the space to put on plays in Latvian by 1917. The building's architecture combines eclectic and Baroque features with Art Nouveau elements. Inside, the theater has three halls: the Great Hall, the Actors Hall, and the LMT New Hall. The Great Hall has 683 seats, while the Actors' Hall has 50-70 seats, and the New Hall has 80-120 seats depending on the performance. After Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, the theater was renamed Riga's Dramatic Theatre because its name was considered too nationalistic. However, in 1988, three years before Latvia regained its independence, its original name was restored. Today, the Latvian National Theatre continues to promote Latvian art and culture, staging new plays by Latvian playwrights every season.

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