Jugendstil, art nouveau, modern - all these words denote an elegant and romantic style of art and architecture popular at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. The main tendency of this style is a departure from the severity of sharp corners and straight lines. Rounded shapes, an abundance of decorative elements, plant and floral ornaments - all this gives it incredible charm. It is no coincidence that the flourishing period of this style in Europe is called the 'Belle Epoque' - the "Beautiful Era".
Riga is known as the cradle of Jugendstil; around 800 buildings adorn the streets of the city, giving it a fairy-tale appearance.
Alberta Street is the quintessence of Riga Jugendstil, practically every house on it is a masterpiece, and many buildings are among the monuments of national significance.
House No. 12 on Alberta Street has managed to fully preserve the atmosphere of the Belle Epoque, because this is where the Art Nouveau Museum is located. In the house-museum, consisting of 13 rooms, the interior and furnishings of 1903, when the outstanding Riga architect Konstantin Pēkšēns lived there, have been fully restored.
The museum is beautiful outside and inside, from the corner tower crowning the building to the exquisite paintings on the walls and ceiling. The magnificent irregular spiral staircase is known far beyond Latvia. Is it conceivable - steps as an object of art? Yes, if it is a staircase in the Art Nouveau style, for it is truly magnificent - with graceful paintings, ornate railings, and splendid chandeliers.
In the dining room, the table is set with porcelain and crystal; in the study there is an abundance of books, the gramophone is ready to play a foxtrot, and a lace parasol has been carelessly thrown onto an armchair… It seems the owners have just left the house and will soon return.
You will experience a feeling of complete immersion in the reality of the beginning of the XX century and will even be able to try on, for a photo, a ladies' hat from those times - with feathers, flowers, and ribbons.
