Latvian Academy of Sciences, Riga, Latvia

The Academy of Sciences edifice was built after World War II, between 1951 and 1961, collecting the necessary financing from the newly established kolkhozes in Latvia and - as further expenses increased, collecting the finances as 'voluntary donations' deducted from the salaries of the Latvian rural population.

The building is decorated with several hammers and sickles as well as Latvian folk ornaments and motifs. The spire originally was decorated with a wreath and a five pointed star, which was removed after Latvia regained independence in 1991. Being 108 metres tall, it was the first skyscraper in the republic and was the tallest building until the construction of the Swedbank Headquarters in Latvia.

The building, designed by Osvalds Tīlmanis, Vaidelotis Apsītis, and Kārlis Plūksne, is a cousin to similar Stalin-era skyscrapers, which were representative of what became known as Stalinist architecture (sometimes referred to as Socialist Classicism). The architecture of the skyscraper resembles many others built in the Soviet Union at the time, most notably the main building of Moscow State University. Local nicknames for this building include Stalin's birthday cake and the Kremlin.

References:

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User Reviews

Eric Pettersson (9 months ago)
➡️ Really interesting and historic place to visit. It gives you a beautiful panoramic view over Riga.

André Marques (9 months ago)
Nice panoramic views of the city. A bit pricey, though, 8 euros per person and you still have some unwell lit stairs to climb (not wheelchair friendly). Inside, it smells very badly, of sewers…

Yann Ramsay (10 months ago)
Amazing view in an amazing building. Some of the masonry has seen better days, looks like some repairs will be needed some time soon.

Helena (10 months ago)
The Latvia Academy of Sciences observation deck offers a mesmerising panoramic view over whole Riga that stretches as far as the eye can see. From a modest fee, you ascend effortlessly by elevator. It’s delightfully uncrowded, making the experience even more serene. Highly recommended.

DevoWorks (12 months ago)
An intriguing monument from the Soviet Union. They call it Stalin's birthday cake because it should have been opened on his 80th birthday. He passed away before it ever came to that. It is a similar building in Warsaw that resembles twins and was built by Stalin.

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Latvian Academy of Sciences

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