The Latvian National Opera and Ballet (LNOB) team has acquired a new, modern and functional working environment – a complex of performing arts decoration workshops and rehearsal rooms, which also includes warehouses and a well-equipped area with convenient transport and logistics solutions.
Cramped basement workspaces, poor lighting, and other challenging conditions previously limited the potential of both the artists and the performances. With EU funds secured by the Ministry of Culture, a solution was found in the Riga Šķirotava neighbourhood. With the closure of several industrial facilities, Šķirotava had become one of the most functionally and visually degraded areas of Riga. Since the complex began operating, the neighbourhood has gained additional value from cultural activities and new development opportunities.
The new infrastructure helps to ensure the production of high-quality performing arts decorations using LNOB’s own resources, while also strengthening LNOB's position in the international performing arts arena, and giving the public the opportunity to enjoy a more extensive offering at our “White House”. LNOB artists, set designers, set and prop masters, and technical staff, create, restore, and store sets in modern, comfortable rooms, conduct rehearsals, and host events that will later delight LNOB visitors in the special Grand Rehearsal Hall. Other local and foreign professionals also see opportunities here.
With the Ministry of Culture attracting EU funds of almost 6 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund and more than 5 million euros from the state budget, the project was implemented by the SJSC “State Real Estate”. The project was developed by the architecture firm Krasts, and the construction work was carried out by Velve Ltd.
The LNOB decoration workshop and rehearsal hall complex is one of 5 objects implemented in the EU funds program to promote the revitalization of the city of Riga, ensuring the effective socio-economic use of the territory.
