National Library of Latvia
National Library of Latvia features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Riga. Give it roughly ~60 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Riga Riga guide
About National Library of Latvia
Latvia's national library, the 'Castle of Light,' a 68-metre glass slope on the Daugava by Gunnar Birkerts; a 14,000-strong human chain passed books to it in 2014.
The National Library of Latvia (Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka), nicknamed the 'Castle of Light' (Gaismas pils), stands on the left bank of the Daugava River at Mūkusalas iela 3. Its new building was designed by the Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts, whose design dates from 1989, and its form was inspired by the Latvian folklore images of the Castle of Light and the Glass Mountain. About 68 metres tall with thirteen floors, it cost around 193 million euros and was officially opened on 29 August 2014, the library's 95th anniversary. The library itself was founded in 1919.
On 18 January 2014, during Riga's year as European Capital of Culture, a human chain passed selected books hand to hand from the old building to the new one, with about 14,000 people taking part. The building holds the 'People's Bookshelf' (Tautas grāmatu plaukts), a wall of books donated by the public. Under its glass roof are over 1,000 reading places, a conference centre and exhibition areas. Its holdings exceed roughly 5 million titles, including about 18,000 manuscripts from the 14th century onward.
Did you know? On 18 January 2014, during Riga's Capital of Culture year, about 14,000 people formed a human chain and passed books hand to hand from the old library to the new one.
How long is a visit to National Library of Latvia?
Set aside roughly ~60 min for National Library of Latvia. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is National Library of Latvia worth your time?
National Library of Latvia is among the 21 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Riga, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Riga
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about National Library of Latvia and read more:
Day 1 of the Riga in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of National Library of Latvia
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