Explore the Zuzeum Art Center Museum in Riga
Are you an avid lover of modern art? Or are you maybe just looking for other breathtaking museums in Riga? If that’s your case, the Zuzeum Art Center Museum has to be on your list! It is not only the venue that is appealing, but also its vast art collection. So what are you waiting for? Zuzeum will most certainly sweep you off your feet!
History of the Zuzeum Art Center Museum
While it may come off as a surprise, the Museum’s Art Center location belongs to a former cork factory. It is this fun fact alone that attracts several tourists on a daily basis. Designed in 1910 by architect Edmund von Trompowsky, the building reminds us of the industrial and multilingual period in Riga’s history. Nonetheless, it is in 2020 when the building received a new purpose. The new art center in Latvia contributes to the relationship between the art and the city.
Inside Zuzeum
Upon entering the Zuzeum Art Center, you will be entranced by its outstanding color palette. With both shades of orange and brown, the space becomes an invitation for all artists at heart. Split among two main rooms, the gallery initially focused on Latvian art. Through time, its collection extended, now also comprising international artworks. Likewise, the Zuzeum Art Center is known for the biggest private collection of Latvian art in the world. Nowadays, the artworks amount to over 30 000 pieces.
Recommendations for Tourists
If this catches your interest, you might consider Zuzeum’s current summer exhibition. Entitled “Straight, No Chaser”, the art display focuses on Latvia’s avant garde and contemporary scene. Among the artists exhibited, you can find the names of Vilhelms Purvītis, Jānis Rozentāls and Johann Walter-Kurau. It is the Parisian research group “La Méditarranée” that composed the exhibition. Their goal was to feature previous architectures in Riga. Both installations Mooring Beacon and Zeppelin took inspiration in local history. Above all, the exhibition was inspired by the Central Market in Riga. Prior to this popular attraction, the building was known for its Zeppelin hangars.
Although Riga is popular for its Art Nouveau, many of its art museums are often overlooked. Besides the Zuzeum Art Center Museum, Riga also takes pride in its Latvian National Museum of Art. These are just some of the many things Riga has to offer! But nevertheless, Zuzeum never ceases to amaze me!
Elena is currently a student at Liden & Denz, Riga
These images were taken by the author
