House of the Black Heads

Very nice exhibition with lots of interesting information on the history of Latvia, Riga, and the building itself. Plenty of seats with soft cushions around to take a break. Despite going there on new year’s eve it wasn’t too crowded. They also stayed open until 10pm on that day but maybe that’s a one-off for the holidays. Finally, the gift shop is pretty good and has a wide variety of items on sale.

Great experience. I really enjoyed my visit to the House of Black Heads museum. You can visit the (under) ground floor, first floor, and second floor. I was a little bit disappointed as I expected to see more. However, I still enjoyed my visit. This museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions, so if you're in Riga, try to visit this place. The entry fee is €7 per person. There's a storage room where you can leave your luggage and jackets. The museum is open from 10 a.m to 17 p.m every day.

Beautiful iconic building in the centre of Riga’s old town across from the town hall. We were staying just round the corner from here and we stumbled upon it on an evening stroll. What a happy coincidence!

On our arrrival to the main square, we were greeted by chiming bells. With the snow and the large Christmas tree in the middle of the square, it was a really lovely moment.

Visited on independence day and the staff was really welcoming and friendly. Bought the ticket online with a coffee for a steal and have to say it was needed in this cold weather!

Basement is full of history and you can still see some of the foundations and structure intact. Highly recommend

On the ground floor there was a collection of some of the silverware that belonged to the clan with detailed craftsmanship.

One the 1st floor you come into these open vast halls with high ceilings and again detailed interior but not done in the past but replicated via modern technology.

If you love history, go and visit this place especially the basement!

The former heads of state used this as an office and it’s now turned into a museum. So you can see a book signed by the Queen of England and visit extremely ornately decorated ballrooms.

If you’re visiting Riga, the House of the Black Heads should absolutely be on your list.

The museum was interesting, with complete descriptions. Some rooms are really impressive.

As a side note, it was really nice discovering that the museum offers the option to enter the museum and get a coffee just by adding 1€ more to the ticket, or getting a glass of wine for 2€ more.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the iconic House of the Blackheads in Riga, and I must say it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the rich history and stunning architecture of this remarkable building.

The House of the Blackheads stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. The intricate detailing on the facade and the ornate interior decorations truly showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era. It's a place where history comes alive, and you can't help but feel a sense of awe as you explore the grand halls and rooms.

The museum inside the House of the Blackheads is thoughtfully curated, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the city's medieval merchants. The displays are beautifully presented, providing a wealth of information about the building's significance and the events that shaped Riga's past. The knowledgeable staff members are passionate about their work and are always ready to answer any questions you may have.

One of the highlights of my visit was the breathtaking Great Hall, with its magnificent chandeliers and stunning artwork. It's a truly majestic space that transports you to a different time and leaves you in awe of the grandeur that once graced these walls.

Additionally, the location of the House of the Blackheads is perfect for exploring Riga's Old Town. It's centrally located, making it easily accessible and a convenient stop on any sightseeing itinerary.

Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the House of the Blackheads. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply someone seeking a unique and enriching experience, this place has it all. Prepare to be mesmerized by its beauty and immersed in the captivating stories of Riga's past. It's a true gem that should not be missed.

One of my favorite places in old Riga, house of the black heads is really amazing 🤩 architecture is stunning 😍 with a lot of history absolutely I will recommend this place to everyone who will visit Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻

The house was rebuilt in the 90s. It was destroyed during WW2 and the Soviets demolished the remains.
The exhibitions are clear and the rooms are beautiful with large paintings. In the basement are the remains of archaeological excavations.

An amazing historic spot in Riga. The building and its history explain the stormy events Latvia had been through.

Really beautiful building and worth a visit. It did not take long to see the different levels. It is quite amazing to visit a place that is still regularly used for official and diplomatic meetings.the price is a little high but considering that the building had to be renovated from scratch basically, it is only fair. Loved the upper floor, the ceiling and the interior is a real beauty

The symbol of Riga actually looks much better than on the pictures, beautifully renovated, stunning colours. A must see sight and you can easily spend an hour around it.

The House of the Black Heads in Riga, Latvia, is a true gem that captures the essence of history, beauty, and culture. From the moment you lay eyes on its ornate façade, you're transported back to a bygone era of opulence and grandeur. The architectural details are exquisite, showcasing a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles that leave visitors in awe.

Stepping inside, you'll be treated to a journey through time, as the interior is a stunning display of period furnishings, intricate woodwork, and awe-inspiring artwork. The rich tapestries, elaborate chandeliers, and meticulously crafted furniture all come together to paint a vivid picture of the elite lifestyle enjoyed by the members of the Brotherhood of the Black Heads.

The historical significance of the House cannot be understated. It served as a hub for the Brotherhood, an association of young, unmarried merchants and foreign visitors who gathered to socialize and conduct business. This place encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie and entrepreneurship that was so prevalent in medieval Riga, making it not just a beautiful building, but a living testament to the city's heritage.

One cannot miss the sense of warmth and welcoming that permeates through every corner of the House. The knowledgeable guides share captivating stories about the Brotherhood, its members, and the events that unfolded within these walls. Their passion for the history of the House is infectious, adding a layer of depth to the experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing.

The House of the Black Heads also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Riga's Old Town from its terrace, providing a unique perspective of the city. Whether you're captivated by history, architecture, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the charm of a bygone era, this place has something for everyone.

In conclusion, a visit to the House of the Black Heads is an absolute must for anyone exploring Riga. It's a place that transports you through time, immerses you in a world of beauty and elegance, and leaves you with a profound appreciation for the rich history of Latvia. This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to human creativity and craftsmanship, and it's an experience that will stay with you long after you've left its hallowed halls.

Only saw the exterior, but it’s very impressive. Such huge amounts of detailed work have been put into making this one of the finest buildings in Riga. It’s been beautifully maintained as well which isn’t always guaranteed around here.
It’s a significant feature which helps brighten the square as the nearby museum and memorials are all quite “chunky” examples of architecture

Interesting place to visit while in Riga. You can learn a little about the history of Riga and it's culture. Worth seeing. The tickets are cheap for a quite big exhibition located in multiple rooms. Amazing scenery for photos ;)

A building with long and interesting history. Interior is nice, freshly reconstructed. The price might seem high but it’s definitely a once in a life type of experience. You can additionally buy a ticket with coffee or wine to have an even fancier experience.

Absolutely a must see on your tour of Riga. The building and salons are amazingly interesting and the cave reconstruction really gives you insight into the history of the town. Also, the Black Heads have history throughout the entire Balkan region, so understanding how it’s all interwoven was really exiting to see

Such a beautiful building. Amazing to think that it’s been destroyed and completely rebuilt! Interesting exhibition on the history and reconstruction.

One of the most famous building in Riga, even though was completely destroyed jn comunism and was fully reconstructed in 1999. It’s a flagship building that you hav eto visit, it’s not big and inside it’s little furi iture but as an experience you have to go.

This is a truly gorgeous building, a faithful reproduction(so it is incorrect to say that it is renovated, how they said) of the 1334 original, which was destroyed by a WWII bomb, and rebuilt in 1999 after Latvian independence. It now has a museum inside, with some rooms and also a basement with 2-3 rooms.
There are also some photos with the sixth president of Latvia,Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, which had some important meetings during hers excersing period.