Corner House KGB Building
Former KGB headquarters turned museum, offering a chilling glimpse into Soviet repression and Latvia's fight for freedom.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Corner House KGB Building
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Former KGB headquarters turned museum, offering a chilling glimpse into Soviet repression and Latvia's fight for freedom.
"A harrowing but deeply enlightening experience, offering a sobering insight into Latvia’s Soviet past."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tours have limited spots and sell out fast. Book your tickets online well in advance to guarantee entry.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the guided tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
KGB Prison Cells
Basement
Walk through the actual interrogation rooms and prison cells where victims of the KGB were held. A truly chilling and impactful experience.
Guided Historical Tour
Throughout the building
Engaging guides share real stories, making Latvia's Soviet history palpable and deeply personal. Essential for understanding the site's significance.
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Exhibits
Upper floors
Displays detailing Latvia's occupation by Soviet and Nazi forces, providing crucial historical context to the building's dark past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for an Emotional Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Former KGB headquarters in Riga, Latvia. Many people died in there.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tours have limited spots and sell out fast. Book your tickets online well in advance to guarantee entry.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the guided tour.
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🧠 Be Prepared Emotionally
This is a heavy topic. The stories are intense and can be upsetting.
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to deepen your understanding.
Visiting for 2 days
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tours have limited spots and sell out fast. Book your tickets online well in advance to guarantee entry.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the guided tour.
🧠 Be Prepared Emotionally
This is a heavy topic. The stories are intense and can be upsetting.
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to deepen your understanding.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Corner House KGB Building as a deeply moving, chilling, and essential historical experience. While not a light visit, the well-organized tours and passionate guides make the harrowing stories of Soviet repression palpable and unforgettable. It's highly recommended for anyone interested in Latvia's past and human rights.
"Visited the KGB Museum (Corner House) in Riga and liked how well it’s organized and that is free. That way more people would get to know about it. Walking through the old cells and interrogation rooms, you really feel the weight of history—chilling but important. The guides shared real stories from people who were held there, which made it all very real. Not a light visit, but if you’re interested in Latvia’s past, this place is a must."
George Benaroya
"We had an amazing tour today of the museum, this happened because Jannis was our tour guide and he gave excellent performance and explained all the details regarding the museum. He was very engaging and answered all the questions we had, even gave us time to process everything that was said. I rarely get goosebumps but the way everything was said by our tour guide made it really emotional. I definitely suggest you going, it was an extraordinary experience."
S.A
"This is the KGB Prison Museum. A very moving visit to this place of internment, torture, interrogation and murder. The guided tour lasts for one hour. A must visit if your interested in the history of Latvija."
Richard Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Corner House is located at Brīvības iela 61 in Riga. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from the Old Town, taking about 20-30 minutes.
Street parking is available in the vicinity, but it can be limited and metered. It's often more convenient to use public transport or walk if you're staying in central Riga.
Yes, it's a feasible and scenic walk. The distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers, and it takes about 20-30 minutes. You'll pass by some beautiful Art Nouveau architecture along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is free to enter, but guided tours are mandatory for exploring the former prison. Booking a tour slot is essential.
Absolutely! Tickets for the guided tours must be purchased online in advance as there are limited spots available for each tour.
The museum typically operates tours throughout the day, but hours can vary. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date tour schedule and book your preferred time slot.
The guided tour usually lasts for about one hour, providing a comprehensive overview of the building's history and its former use.
Due to the historical nature of the building, accessibility can be challenging, particularly in the basement prison areas. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility arrangements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see preserved interrogation rooms, prison cells, and the execution chamber. The tour also includes exhibits from the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, detailing the country's history under Soviet rule.
Photography policies can vary, but generally, photos are not allowed inside the former prison cells and interrogation rooms to maintain the solemn atmosphere. Check for signage or ask your guide.
Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes the one-hour guided tour and time to explore any additional exhibits or reflect on the experience.
This museum deals with sensitive and disturbing historical events. It is generally recommended for older teenagers and adults who can comprehend the gravity of the subject matter.
The atmosphere is somber, chilling, and deeply historical. Visitors often describe it as a very moving and impactful experience, with a palpable sense of the past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Corner House is located on a main street with many cafes and restaurants nearby, offering various dining options from casual to more formal.
Food and drinks are typically not allowed inside the museum or during the guided tour to preserve the historical integrity and atmosphere of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography inside the sensitive areas is restricted, the exterior of the building itself holds historical significance. The surrounding streets also offer glimpses of Riga's architecture.
Yes, photography is generally prohibited in the former prison cells and interrogation rooms. Always check for specific signage or ask your guide for clarification.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Teens
Recommendations for families:
* Book tours well in advance as they are mandatory and fill up quickly.
* Discuss the historical context with your teens before visiting to prepare them for the sensitive nature of the exhibits.
* Allow time for reflection after the tour; the experience can be emotionally taxing.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Key for history buffs:
* Prioritize the guided tour for in-depth narratives and personal accounts.
* Allocate ample time to absorb the atmosphere and information.
* Consider visiting other historical sites in Riga to build a comprehensive understanding of the region's complex past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Weight of History: Understanding the Corner House
The guided tours are particularly impactful, as they bring the sterile cells and interrogation rooms to life with personal accounts and historical context. Guides often share stories passed down from survivors or their families, making the experience deeply emotional and unforgettable. It's a place that demands reflection and offers a profound understanding of Latvia's resilience and its fight for independence.
Key takeaways for visitors include the necessity of booking tours in advance due to high demand and limited capacity, and the importance of being mentally prepared for the heavy subject matter. The museum is free, but the emotional cost of the visit is significant, leaving a lasting impression on all who walk its halls.
Navigating the Tour: Tips from Visitors
It's crucial to book your tour in advance as spots are limited and often sell out. Visitors recommend arriving a little early to check in and prepare for the tour. While the tour itself is about an hour long, the emotional impact can linger. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be on your feet, and be ready to absorb a lot of information in a short period.
Some visitors suggest that while the tour is intense, it's an essential experience for anyone interested in Latvian history. The guides are adept at answering questions and allowing visitors time to process the information, making it a respectful and educational encounter with a difficult past.
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