The Corner House, Riga Travel Guide

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Explore Riga's Corner House: Uncover the chilling history of the KGB headquarters and Soviet oppression in Latvia.

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The Corner House

The Corner House in Riga, Latvia, stands as a chilling reminder of Soviet oppression. Once the KGB headquarters, this building now serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into a dark period of Latvian history marked by surveillance, interrogation, and political repression.

A brief summary to The Corner House

Brīvības iela 61, Riga, Central District, 1010, LV
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Monday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 10:30 am-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Corner House.

Book guided tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure access to all areas of the Corner House.
Allocate at least two hours to fully explore the exhibits and immerse yourself in the history of the site.
Be prepared for a sobering and intense experience, as the museum deals with sensitive and difficult subject matter.
Check the museum's website for updated tour schedules and special events.

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Explore The Corner House on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Corner House, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Corner House is easily accessible by public transport. From Riga International Airport, take bus number 22 to the city center. From the city center, numerous trams, trolleybuses, and buses stop near the Corner House. Check the Riga Satiksme website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ticket costs approximately €1.15 - €2.00.
Taxi

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Riga. A taxi ride from the city center to the Corner House will typically cost between €5 and €10, depending on traffic. Always check the fare before starting your journey.
Walking

The Corner House is centrally located and easily reachable on foot from many popular tourist areas in Riga. From the Freedom Monument, walk north along Brīvības iela for about 1 km. The Corner House will be on your right. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes for the walk.

Discover more about The Corner House

The Corner House, located on Brīvības iela 61 in Riga, is a stark reminder of Latvia's tumultuous past under Soviet rule. Designed in 1912, the building initially served as apartments and shops, embodying Riga's cosmopolitan spirit. However, in 1940, with the Soviet occupation, it was transformed into the Latvian KGB headquarters, becoming a symbol of fear and repression.For five decades, the Corner House was the epicenter of political persecution, where thousands of Latvians were imprisoned, interrogated, tortured, and even executed. The building's basement housed prison cells and interrogation rooms, while upper floors were used for offices and administrative functions. Today, the Corner House serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into this dark chapter of history. Visitors can explore the former prison cells, interrogation rooms, and the courtyard, gaining insight into the chilling reality of life under Soviet occupation.The Corner House stands as a memorial to the victims of Soviet oppression and a reminder of the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition. The museum provides a powerful and educational experience for those seeking to understand Latvia's complex past.