Reconstruction and renovation of the Great Guild

The aim of the project is to preserve and develop significant cultural heritage - an architectural monument of national significance, the Grand Guild, by creating an infrastructure suitable for the needs of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra. During the reconstruction and restoration, it is planned to fully preserve the authenticity of the building, by respecting the use of original materials, technologies and historical construction methods.

In order to improve the technical condition of the building, it is planned to rebuild and equip the Great Hall as a priority. Among other things, both the stage and the underground stage will be rebuilt, the spectator seats will be re-planned, as well as an appropriate location for sound and light technicians will be provided. It is also planned to rebuild the technical equipment of the hall - ceiling constructions.

In the building it is also planned to restore and rebuild wooden windows and doors, rebuild wiring, facilities at the basement level, including water and domestic sewerage engineering networks, heating, the ventilation and cooling system, as well as to adapt the premises for the needs of administration and musicians. It is planned to build a new passenger/freight lift to ensure the accessibility of the premises and the delivery of concert hall equipment.

As a result, events at the Grand Guild will be accessible to people with special needs, especially listeners with hearing disabilities. It will be possible to professionally record the ongoing concerts and events, allowing them to be heard by the general public and preserved for future generations. In turn, the new concert hall equipment will also be suitable for choir or jazz concerts. It is expected that the concert hall will be available to visitors for at least 100 days a year, but the number of visits will increase by at least 7,470.

History of the building

The Grand Guild is one of the oldest and most interesting buildings in Riga; here is one of the oldest and most beautiful concert halls in Riga. The building is a cultural and historical monument of the 14th century. Over time, the house has been expanded several times. The external appearance was most significantly changed by the construction of the baroque facade in 1697, but the interior has been modified several times, adapting to the various functions of the house. Today, the Grand Guild is home to the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra. Taking the special status of the building into account, in order to preserve the cultural heritage and the architectural value of the building, the process of its renovation has special requirements and it must take place in cooperation with the Latvian National Heritage Board.