As part of the second phase of the renovation of the “Arsenāls” Art Museum, the section of Torņa Street between Citadeles Street and Noliktavas Street will be temporarily closed to traffic starting April 17 of this year. These restrictions are necessary to carry out stormwater drainage construction and street renovation work, according to the Corporate communications and sustainability department of the SJSC "State Real Estate" (SRE).
“In renovating the “Arsenāls”, our goal is not only to preserve and modernize this historic cultural heritage site, but also to create an accessible and modern environment where every visitor can reach and enjoy the museum comfortably and safely. The reconstruction of Torņa Street is an essential part of this project — it will improve access to the museum, make the surrounding urban environment more convenient and safer, while also addressing significant engineering issues related to the building’s long-term preservation,” emphasizes Jeļena Gavrilova, a member of the SRE Board of Directors.
As part of the reconstruction of Torņa Street, plans call for the construction of a modern stormwater drainage system. This is a critically important solution to prevent high groundwater levels from seeping into the museum building’s basement, thereby protecting the historic structure and the future art storage facilities from the effects of moisture. At the same time, the road (cobblestone) surface will be renewed, making access to the museum and travel along Torņa Street more convenient and safer for every visitor to the city. Work will begin on the side facing “Arsenāls” Street. To avoid disrupting the Saeima’s operations, work on Torņa Street near Jēkaba Street will begin in the summer, during the Saeima’s recess, and is scheduled to be completed by fall.
Latest Updates from the Construction Site
At this time, the interior and roof demolition work at “Arsenāls” has been fully completed. Construction and insulation of the roof are continuing, as is the installation of complex engineering systems—ventilation with heat recovery, heating, climate control, and an automated misting system. These solutions will ensure a microclimate tailored to the museum’s specific needs. Additionally, a new podium is already being built in the first-floor lobby for the convenience of museum visitors.
During the construction work, specialists have also encountered unforeseen challenges. After the plaster was removed, cracks were discovered in the walls and vaults, as well as rotted roof rafters, which required prompt changes to the construction plan and additional reinforcement work, which has now been completed.
Vision for the Future
The renovation of the “Arsenāls” Art Museum is scheduled to be fully completed by the end of 2027. Last fall, a digital model of the construction project documentation was created using BIM methodology and incorporating improvements to the construction project previously developed by “AD SPATIUM” in 2021. Digital solutions offer a glimpse into the future vision of what the spaces will look like after their renovation. Authors: “ARH stadija” (Ltd.) in collaboration with SRE Construction Information Modeling specialists. “Arsenāls” spaces after renovation—360° (panoramic) photos:
lobby
1st floor:
2nd floor:
Historical Heritage and Archaeological Finds
The renovation process is characterized by a special respect for history. During demolition, historic limestone floor slabs covering an area of approximately 500 square meters were uncovered. The better-preserved materials (about 210 m²) were reused by laying them in the building’s basement.
Last fall, while conducting an excavation at the site of the planned elevator shaft, archaeologists uncovered significant artifacts from the 16th–19th centuries—ceramic shards, coins, tools, and jewelry—which provide new insights into life around the Old Town walls.
About the Project and Funding
The work is being carried out by "P un S Būvniecība" under a "design-build" contract, using a Building Information Model (BIM), which allows for more precise adaptation of solutions to the historic structure.
The total project funding is 19.56 million euros (including VAT), consisting of funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (15.082 million euros), co-financing from the state budget (2.5 million euros), and municipal funding of 139,982 euros. An additional 1.82 million euros has been allocated from the state budget to cover urgent and priority construction work.
The reconstruction and restoration project for the “Arsenāls” Art Museum is funded under the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Program for 2021–2027, 5.1.1. “Promoting the integrated social, economic, and environmental development of local areas, as well as cultural heritage, tourism, and security in urban functional areas” Funding under Measure 5.1.1.5: “Restoration of unique cultural heritage sites of European significance to promote their accessibility through the development of cultural services.”
In 2025, under the leadership of SRE, Phase 1 of the “Arsenāls” renovation was completed, which included the restoration of the building’s facade, the restoration of windows, and the installation of foundation waterproofing.
“Arsenāls” is a prime example of Classicist architecture, and the restoration project is part of the regulatory framework promoted by the Ministry of Culture for the preservation of unique cultural monuments of national significance located within the urban heritage site “Historic Center of Riga” and, at the same time, within the territory of the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site “Historic Center of Riga.” As part of this project, plans are in place to develop five sites in Riga’s Historic Center—the Great Guild Hall, the “Arsenāls,” Vaļņu Street and its surroundings, the Daugavas Gāte—as well as to create exhibitions for the Latvian National Museum of History in Riga Castle.
About SRE
SRE is the largest real estate manager in Latvia, providing professional real estate management and development services, as well as implementing construction projects of strategic importance to the state. The company provides professional real estate management and administration for a total of 3,496 properties, including 420 buildings and structures—comprising 1,254 buildings with a total area of 1.01 million square meters— as well as 625 hectares of land under the buildings, and 3,076 land parcels with a total area of 893 hectares. SRE was founded in 1996; the Ministry of Finance is its sole shareholder.
Additional information for the media:
SJSC "State Real Estate"
Corporate Communications and Sustainability Department
Tel.: +371 20235301
E-mail: komunikacija@vni.lv
(Translated with the help of DeepL Translate)
