The new Latvian National Opera and Ballet (LNOB) stage arts set design workshop complex has been officially opened in Riga, Meirānu Street 2.
"This modern building will serve as the central place for the production and assembly of sets, props and large-format scenography elements, while also offering the opportunity to conduct rehearsals of opera performances with fully installed sets," says Jeļena Gavrilova, a member of the board of "State Real Estate" (SRE).
"The creation of the stage arts set design workshop complex strengthens a modern working environment at LNOB. I am pleased that, as a result of successful cooperation, we have not only taken care of the needs of representatives of the creative industries, but also ensured the improvement of the surrounding environment here. May we continue to implement projects that significantly improve the everyday work of our cultural representatives," says Agnese Lāce, Minister of Culture.
The new complex provides LNOB with greater opportunities to produce new scenery and props for premieres, as well as to restore performances already beloved by the audience. The new infrastructure will help strengthen LNOB's position in the international performing arts scene, while ensuring the production of high-quality performing arts elements using its own resources. The creation of the complex will also open up new opportunities for cooperation with other art sectors and internationally.
“The completed stage arts set design workshop complex is a huge step in the history and development of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. The project is not just a single building, but a development of a previously degraded territory complex, creating not only specially adapted workshops for opera and ballet masters, but also a rehearsal hall, warehouses and a well landscaped territory with convenient transport and logistics solutions. The new complex has already experienced its “fire christening” - both the production of the first large-format sets for Richard Strauss’s opera “Salome” directed by Alvis Hermanis, and almost a month long rehearsals in full sets for the last premiere of this season – Handel’s opera “Flavio, King of the Lombards”. It is with satisfaction that we note that the new complex convincingly demonstrated its functionality and quality,” reveals Sandis Voldiņš, Chairman of the Board of the LNOB.
The complex is equipped with modern energy efficiency systems. Special attention has also been paid to environmental accessibility — the building is fully adapted for people with mobility impairments. In addition, the implementation of the project has also significantly improved the aesthetic and functional environment of the surrounding area, revitalizing one of the most degraded neighborhoods in Riga.
“The opening of the LNOB decoration workshop quarter symbolically marks the conclusion of a large-scale project – the construction and renovation of creative quarter. Within the framework of these projects, we created a new space for art, arranged previously degraded territories and provided a place for growth. We are pleased that the new premises open up new opportunities for cooperation and help highlight the name of LNOB among European operas,” reveals J. Gavrilova.
The complex covers an area of 21,814 square meters, of which 9,452 square meters are built with warehouse and workshop buildings. Functional areas for transport have been created, including 49 car parking spaces and 40 bicycle parking spaces. The workshop complex can accommodate up to 100 people who can temporarily stay in the premises, engaging in the processes of making and assembling decorations.
“The new decoration workshop building and two new warehouse buildings are a great addition to the development of the entire block and, most importantly, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet has acquired the long-awaited space for making and storing decorations, which means that the work done is of great importance. We are pleased,” says Renāte Truševska, architect of the "Krasts" architectural firm.
The new stage arts set design workshop complex was built in three construction phases. In the first phase, a new warehouse building was built, new engineering networks were created and the territory was landscaped. In the second phase, a two-story workshop building was created and access to the territory was expanded, additional entrances and greenery were created. In the third phase, existing buildings were rebuilt and adapted, providing them with the necessary conditions for storing and transporting decorations to opera and ballet performances.
“We are pleased and proud to have been involved in the implementation of this project. The new stage arts set design workshop complex is not only one of the most important infrastructure projects in the cultural sector in recent years – it is a space where engineering precision and new technologies meet creative energy. Not only decorations are created here, but also full stage versions of performances, which allow artists to work as close as possible to real performance conditions. This significantly facilitates both the rehearsal process and improves the quality of the final results. The beneficiaries are not only the LNOB creative team, but also the audience – both Riga residents and city guests, who will be able to enjoy visually even more impressive, technically sophisticated performances in the future. We believe that this complex will strengthen the competitiveness of opera and ballet in the Baltic and European cultural space, making LNOB an even more attractive partner for international collaborations and festivals. Thanks to the customer for their trust and for the work done side by side – this project is a vivid proof of how high-quality construction can serve for art and society at the same time,” says Elīna Epalte-Drulle, member of the board of SIA "Velve".
The total funding of the project is 11.38 million euros (including VAT). The project is implemented within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund's specific support objective 5.6.1. "Promote the revitalization of the city of Riga by ensuring the effective socio-economic use of the territory" and its goal is to develop a multifunctional cultural infrastructure facility accessible to the public - the Latvian National Opera and Ballet multifunctional cultural space and stage arts set design workshop complex, in order to improve the socio-economic environment of the Šķirotava neighborhood, increasing the availability of cultural activities available to residents of the neighborhood, promoting the attraction of private investment by arranging part of the neighborhood's territory, as well as multiplying the revitalization effect in nearby neighborhoods. Funding from EU funds amounts to 5.9 million euros. In turn, state budget funds amount to 5.48 million euros.
About SRE
SRE provides professional real estate management and administration for a total of 3,580 real estate properties, including 397 building and structure properties, which include 1,066 buildings with an area of 975 thousand square meters, as well as land under buildings with an area of 625 hectares, and 3,183 land properties with a total area of 886 hectares. In 2024, SRE received the “Sustainability Index” platinum award of the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Institute for the fourth time, confirming the consistently high sustainability of management and company operations. The company was founded in 1996, its 100% shareholder is the Ministry of Finance.
Additional information for the media:
SRE "State Real Estate"
Corporate Communication and Sustainability Department
Tel.: +371 20235301;
E-mail: komunikacija@vni.lv
(Translated by the help of DeepL Translate)