Strēlnieku Iela (Strēlnieku Street) 4a, Riga

This extravagant multi-storey edifice in the ‘quiet center’ of Riga is a perfect example of how Eclectic Art Nouveau can sometimes get rather extreme.

The astonishing building at 4a Strēlnieku Street illustrates an extremely decorative trend in Art Nouveau, boasting a fantastically rich façade, saturated with plastic constructional detail. The abundant use of ornamental elements, combining traditional historical forms with Art Nouveau motifs, is particularly dazzling when looked at up close.

The property, formerly a S. Mitusov private school, was designed by architect Mikhail Eisenstein and was built in 1905. During the Soviet period it was used as a dormitory.

In 1993-1994, the building was renovated for the needs of the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. The façade was thoroughly restored, while the interior had only some of its original decoration preserved.