Rebuilding and restoration of the “Arsenāls” exhibition hall, Stage II

Fund	European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Total project funding	19,564,108.06 euros including VAT
EU funding	15,082,491.85 euros
Beneficiary	State Joint Stock Company "State Real Estate"
Measure/Project number	Measure No. 5.1.1.5./Project No. 5.1.1.5/1/24/I/001

GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

“Arsenāls” is one of the most important buildings in the extensive system of the Latvian National Museum of Art, located in a significant architectural monument. The aim of the building's renovation is to preserve and protect a unique European cultural heritage site and cultural monument of national importance, to promote its accessibility, developing cultural services, expanding the use of the site as a sustainable resource for improving the quality of human life and strengthening the local community.

The construction project developed for the second phase includes the installation of a mechanical ventilation system and climate control by 2028, which will meet the requirements for the storage of works of art and the well-being of employees. The project also provides for the complete reconstruction of the building's interior and the reconstruction of engineering networks in accordance with safety and modern requirements. In addition, energy efficiency improvement measures are planned, including roof insulation and replacement, as well as the reconstruction of Torņa Street between Jēkaba Street and “Arsenāls”, including the construction of a rainwater drainage system that will solve the problem of high groundwater levels around the property and its inflow into the basement of the property.

PROJECT PROGRESS INFORMATION

• In 2024, the tender was announced, evaluation process began.

• The procurement procedure has been concluded, and on 03.12.2024. the design-build contract with PS "P un S Būvniecība" was signed. On 02.01.2025., a project agreement was signed with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency and a Cooperation Agreement with the Latvian National Museum of Art.

• Design and preparation for construction work begun - hazardous waste removed, geodetic surveying carried out, advance payment approved, information stand installed, preservation of historical materials commenced.

• In 2025, construction work on the rainwater drainage network in the courtyard, roof dismantling works and partition wall construction works will be carried out. During the dismantling, significant discoveries and challenges were identified - the preservation of historical limestone slabs, cracks in the walls and ceilings, and a truncated roof structure. Expert assessments were carried out, solutions were developed, amendments to the contract regarding the extension of the term were made, and the necessary approvals were obtained.

• The interior of the exhibition hall will be modernized, climate and ventilation control will be installed, and engineering systems and energy efficiency will be improved.

• The exhibition hall is scheduled to be commissioned and handed over to the client in 2028.

PROJECT VIDEO

NEWS

• Approves regulation for the restoration of unique cultural monuments of national importance in the historical center of Riga

• SRE announces a tender for the renovation of the "Arsenāls" exhibition hall

• SRE: Re-announcement of a procurement for the renovation of Arsenāls Exhibition Hall interior

• SRE: Contractor for Arsenāls Exhibition Hall interior restoration works selected

• With investments from European Union funds, 5 sites in Riga's historic center will be restored

• SRE: the renovation works of the "Arsenāls" exhibition hall commenced

• Historic limestone floor slabs discovered during interior dismantling of the Art Museum "Arsenāls"

• The government decides to redistribute funding for the reconstruction of the exhibition hall "Arsenāls" and the renovations of the main building of the LNMA

EVENTS

• Media event - Opening of the ERDF programme "Renovation of unique European cultural heritage to improve its accessibility and develop cultural services”