National Library of Latvia
Rīga – Jaunmārupe
The National Library of Latvia was founded in 1919. Its new building (Castle of Light) was designed by the internationally acclaimed Latvian-born architect Gunnar Birkerts (USA), and it is among the greatest cultural projects of the 21st century in Latvia. Construction of the new building began in 2008, and in 2014 the Castle of Light opened to visitors. The library is a modern information and cultural centre which offers home and foreign visitors a wide variety of possibilities – to visit various thematic reading rooms, offering books, periodicity, audio/video recordings and rare expenses. Various exhibitions, concerts and lectures are regularly organised in the Castle of Light, the wireless Internet, cafe and restaurant is available here, and the most beautiful view of Old Riga.
