The aim of the project is to restore and preserve an architectural monument of national significance important to the city of Riga and the cultural environment of the whole of Latvia - a model of classicism architecture. At the same time, quality conditions will be created for the storage and exhibition of works of art.
The first stage of renovation works has been completed - the exterior of the building has been restored, the facade has regained its historic colouring, the windows and basement hatches have been restored, the waterproofing of the foundations has been built, the external engineering networks have been rebuilt, and the facade lighting has been restored. The renovation works have been carried out in strict accordance with the instructions of the Latvian National Heritage Board regarding the preservation of the authenticity of the building. In the second stage, it is planned to rebuild the interior of the building in accordance with the space use program of the Latvian National Museum of Art.
The visually cleaned up building of the exhibition hall "Arsenāls" now fits beautifully into the panorama of Old Riga.
There is a renovated facade. I am really happy for that. At the moment, my main concern is how the further reconstruction of “Arsenāls” will proceed within the framework of the second phase, because our goal is to reach the development of a renovated exhibition hall that will be able to function in accordance with its function. That's what artists expect, and that's what society expects. Walking out of the pandemic crisis caused by Covid-19, I anticipate a viable future for this object as the largest art exhibition hall in Riga.
Māra Lāce,
Director of the Latvian National Museum of Art