Gallery: SSE Riga Building
The SSE Riga main building, erected in 1905-06, is located on Strelnieku iela 4a in
The SSE Riga building is a remarkable structure and an architectural monument of national significance in the heart of
The Jugendstil style of architecture developed as a reaction against the imitation of historical styles which were considered remnants of the past at the end of the nineteenth century. It introduced a distinctively new artistic expression bearing unusual figurative decoration on the façade of buildings. However, Jugendstil was much criticised by contemporaries for its highly elaborate nature, and around 1910 national romanticism was back in fashion.
Yellow stone with blue accents
It is a symmetrically arranged six-story building of yellow stone, masterfully contrasted with brilliant blue tiles.
Sculptural decoration
The sculptural decoration is rather understated and consists of highly idealized females placed against the columns.
Play of light and shadow
As seen in other works of Eisenstein’s, the stringcourses and deeply riveted stonework accentuate the horizontal orientation and provide a striking play between light and shadow.
Atlas figures
The tower above the parapet displays atlas figures whose heads and raised arms support the cornice and the roof.
Dramatically expressive
Decorations on Eisenstein’s buildings tended to be dramatically expressive, and the School’s building at Strelnieku iela 4a is no exception
Reconstruction work began in 1993
The reconstruction work included restoring the facade of the building and a number of its rooms to their original condition.
Home to many students
