Art Academy of Latvia
A stunning neo-Gothic architectural gem and a leading center for creative education, showcasing emerging artists.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Student exhibitions fill the halls.
Art Academy of Latvia
Best Time
Student exhibitions fill the halls.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning neo-Gothic architectural gem and a leading center for creative education, showcasing emerging artists.
"Amazing place to visit, amazing place to study. Great architecture building!"
📸 Architecture Photography
The neo-Gothic building is a photographer's dream! Capture its stunning brick details.
🎨 Support Student Artists
Don't miss the student art market for unique, affordable pieces.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Neo-Gothic Architecture
Admire the striking neo-Gothic brickwork of this historic institution, perfect for photos.

Student Exhibitions
Discover diverse student artwork displayed in corridors, especially after semester ends.

Student Art Market
Twice-yearly opportunity to buy original art directly from talented students.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Student Art & Architecture
Best Times to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Printmaking Department, Art Academy of Latvia, Riga.
📸 Architecture Photography
The neo-Gothic building is a photographer's dream! Capture its stunning brick details.
🎨 Support Student Artists
Don't miss the student art market for unique, affordable pieces.
Studying in latvia
A few questions about Riga and Rigas Art Academy College
📚 Erasmus Opportunities
Consider applying for Erasmus if you're an arts student!
Erasmus - Art Academy of Latvia, Riga
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Architecture Photography
The neo-Gothic building is a photographer's dream! Capture its stunning brick details.
🎨 Support Student Artists
Don't miss the student art market for unique, affordable pieces.
📚 Erasmus Opportunities
Consider applying for Erasmus if you're an arts student!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Art Academy of Latvia for its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and its role as a vibrant hub for emerging artists. The student art market and post-semester exhibitions are highlights, offering unique opportunities to engage with student work. Some visitors wish for more permanent retail options for student art.
"Amazing place to visit, amazing place to study.
Great architecture building!
Exhibitions are always after semester finish- corridors are full of things to see.
Twice a year there is a market, where you can get art works of the students.
If you want to improve you drawing, paiting, composition or grafic skills apply for preparing course, which has amazing teachers and comfy evening times for anyone."
Diana B.
"An institution of higher education and scientific research in art established in 1921. The neo-Gothic brick architecture is very beautiful, worth visiting and taking pictures."
Dracelina
"LMA (Academy of Arts of Latvia) is one of the most premium institutions of Latvia and as a national center of professional creative education an outstanding global and European arts incubator. Students enjoy a very solid, universal education in applied, contemporary and classic arts"
Bruck M. Kimmerle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Art Academy of Latvia is centrally located in Riga. You can easily reach it by public transport, including trams and buses that stop nearby. Walking from the Old Town is also a pleasant option.
Street parking is available in the vicinity, but it can be limited and metered. It's often easier to use public transport or walk if you're already in the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to admire the building's architecture is usually free. However, specific exhibitions or events might require tickets. Check their official website or inquire on-site for details.
The building's exterior is always accessible. For interior access to see exhibitions or common areas, hours can vary. It's best to check their official schedule, especially around semester breaks.
Yes, the student art market is open to the public. It typically happens twice a year, so keep an eye on announcements for specific dates.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you can find student artwork displayed in corridors, especially after semesters. The building itself is architecturally significant.
It's considered a premium institution for creative education in Latvia, offering solid training in various art forms.
Guided tours are not always advertised, but you can often explore the public areas independently. For specific insights, consider attending an exhibition opening or event.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in public areas, but always be respectful of ongoing classes and exhibitions. Check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions.
🎫 🎨 Art & Study
You'll find a range of student work, from painting and graphics to applied arts. The exhibitions showcase contemporary and classic art forms.
Yes, they offer preparatory courses for drawing, painting, composition, and graphic skills with experienced teachers.
It's described as having a nice atmosphere, being a hub for professional creative education and an incubator for arts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that interior access might be limited to specific exhibition times or public areas. It's a good destination for a short visit focused on appreciating the building's exterior and perhaps catching a glimpse of student work if timing aligns.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Students
Aspiring artists should definitely look into the preparatory courses offered, which are highly regarded. The institution's reputation as a global and European arts incubator suggests a high standard of education and a stimulating environment for artistic growth.
📸 Architecture Buffs
While the interior showcases student art, the building's own design is a masterpiece. It's worth visiting just to appreciate the historical facade and imagine its past as the Riga Stock Exchange.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Gem
Originally built as the Riga Stock Exchange Palace, its transformation into an art academy preserved its grandeur while infusing it with a vibrant artistic spirit. The building's aesthetic is a significant draw, even for those not primarily visiting for the art itself. The sheer visual impact of the structure is often a highlight of a visit.
A Hub for Emerging Artists
Beyond the market, the academy's corridors often become impromptu galleries, especially after semester finishes, when student works are displayed. These exhibitions provide a glimpse into the current creative output of the students, showcasing a diverse range of disciplines from painting and graphics to applied arts.
For those looking to hone their own artistic skills, the academy offers preparatory courses in drawing, painting, composition, and graphic design. These courses are noted for their excellent teachers and flexible evening schedules, making them accessible for individuals looking to improve their artistic abilities.
Social
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