As Phase II of the reconstruction of the “Arsenāls” Art Museum continues, reconstruction works are being carried out on Torņa Street and its intersections. To safely complete the remaining utility network installation works, significant traffic restrictions are being introduced in the surrounding urban area, informs the construction project client, SJSC “State Real Estate” (SRE).
Alongside improvements to the interior of the historic building, work is actively progressing on upgrading the surrounding street infrastructure. The paving works at the intersection with Noliktavas Street have now been completed, and lighting improvements will follow. In October, stormwater drainage connection works are planned at the intersection near the “Latvijas Banka” in Pils Square.
From 19 October to 6 November, the intersection in Pils Square near the “Latvijas Banka” will be partially closed. The works will be carried out in stages, with one side of the intersection closed first, followed by the other. Car and other vehicle traffic in this section will be diverted along the parallel Noliktavas Street.
SRE urges drivers and city residents to observe the posted road signs, allow for temporary traffic disruptions and use the designated detours.
Reconstructed Street to Be Commissioned
All reconstruction and improvement works on Torņa Street are scheduled for completion, with the renovated street expected to be commissioned in spring–summer next year, once weather conditions are suitable for completing the works. The project will improve the quality of the urban environment and provide more convenient and safer access both to the renovated “Arsenāls” Art Museum and to other sites in the north-western part of Old Riga.
Latest Updates on the Reconstruction of the “Arsenāls” Art Museum
Interior construction works in the “Arsenāls” Art Museum building are continuing according to schedule. Work currently underway includes the reconstruction of interior spaces, restoration of staircases, installation of the heating substation, construction of the lift shaft and generator structure, roof construction, installation of water supply and domestic wastewater systems, electrical and low-voltage networks, as well as restoration of the historic masonry. At the same time, complex engineering systems are being installed, including ventilation, heating, air-conditioning and automated misting systems. These solutions will ensure a microclimate suited to the museum's specific requirements. In addition, a new platform has been constructed in the ground-floor lobby to improve visitor comfort. The renovated “Arsenāls” building is scheduled to be handed over to the museum in the second half of next year, while the museum plans to open its doors to visitors in spring 2028.
The reconstruction and restoration project of the “Arsenāls” Art Museum is financed through funding secured by the Ministry of Culture under Measure 5.1.1.5, “Restoration of Unique Cultural Heritage of European Significance to Promote Accessibility through the Development of Cultural Services”, within Specific Support Objective 5.1.1 of the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027: “Promoting the Integrated Social, Economic and Environmental Development of Local Territories, as well as Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Security in Urban Functional Areas”.
In 2021, the first phase of the “Arsenāls” reconstruction project was completed under the management of SRE. This phase included façade restoration, window restoration and the installation of foundation waterproofing. A video about the history of “Arsenāls” and the restoration of its façade during Phase I is available as part of SRE's video series “Buildings and Legends”: Buildings and Legends: “Arsenāls”.
About SRE
SJSC “State Real Estate” (SRE) is currently implementing 69 projects with total investments of EUR 619.44 million. SRE provides professional real estate management and maintenance services for 406 properties comprising buildings and structures, including 14 apartment properties. These include buildings with a total floor area of 970,000 m², as well as 632 hectares of land beneath buildings, and 3,045 land properties with a combined area of 855 hectares. The company was established in 1996, and its sole shareholder (100%) is the Ministry of Finance.
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)
