National Library of Latvia, Riga

Name: National Library of Latvia
Address: 3 Mukusalas Str., Riga, LV-1423, Latvia
Telephone: +371 67 806 110

#46 among attractions in Riga

Event space, Library

Gallery (1)

Map

Facts and practical information

The National Library of Latvia, also known as Castle of Light, is a national cultural institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture of Latvia. The National Library of Latvia was formed in 1919 after the independent Republic of Latvia was proclaimed in 1918. The first supervisor of the Library was Jānis Misiņš, a librarian and the founder of the Latvian scientific bibliography. The current building was designed in 1989 by noted Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts, who emigrated to the United States and made his career there. It was constructed in the early 21st century and opened in 2014. Today the Library plays an important role in the development of Latvia's information society, providing Internet access to residents and supporting research and lifelong education. ()

Alternative names: Area: 10.77 acres (0.0168 mi²)Coordinates: 56°56'28"N, 24°5'48"E

Address

3 Mukusalas Str.Zemgales (Torņakalns)Riga LV-1423 Latvia

Contact

+371 67 806 110

Website

Social media

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Riga

Day trips

National Library of Latvia – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: St. Peter's Church, Triangula Bastion, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, Riga Cathedral.

0.6 miNE
Medieval church with a high steeple
St. Peter's Church, Riga
17 min walk • St. Peter's Church, with its towering spire piercing the skyline, stands as an architectural marvel in the heart of Riga, Latvia. This Gothic-style church, originally built in 1209, has been a dominant fixture of Riga's cityscape for centuries and is now one of its...
0.5 miNE
Modernist architecture
Triangula Bastion, Riga
14 min walk • The Triangula Bastion is a historic fortification in the heart of Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Nestled on the eastern side of the city, near the mouth of the River Daugava, this bastion is a testament to Riga's rich military history and architectural prowess.
0.6 miNE
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, Riga
16 min walk • Steeped in centuries of maritime and urban history, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is a cultural treasure nestled in the heart of Riga, Latvia. As one of the oldest and richest museums in the Baltic States, it serves as a testament to Riga's storied...
0.6 miNE
Lutheran church dating from 13th century
Riga Cathedral, Riga
15 min walk • The Riga Cathedral, also known as the Dome Cathedral, stands as a monumental piece of history in the heart of Riga, Latvia. This magnificent church, with its towering presence, is not only the largest medieval church in the Baltic states but also a pivotal symbol of...
0.6 miNE
Landmark building and official residence
House of the Blackheads, Riga
15 min walk • The House of the Blackheads, nestled in the heart of Riga, Latvia, is a historical gem and a stunning example of Gothic architecture blended with elements of Dutch Renaissance. This ornate building, which originally dates back to the 14th century, was a guildhall for...
~1570 ftNE
Bridge
Akmens tilts, Riga
8 min walk • Spanning the serene waters of the Daugava River, Akmens tilts, or Stone Bridge, serves as a longstanding emblem of Riga's historical and architectural heritage. Connecting the city center with the district of Pārdaugava, the bridge's robust silhouette has been a...
~440 ftW
Museum, History museum
Latvian Railway History Museum, Riga
3 min walk • The Latvian Railway History Museum in Riga offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of railway transport within the country and the broader context of European rail history. Nestled in the heart of Latvia's capital, this museum is a treasure trove for rail...
0.6 miN
Church, Sacred and religious sites, Gothic Revival architecture
St. Saviour's Church, Riga
17 min walk • St. Saviour's Church is a congregation of the Church of England in Riga, Latvia. Its parish church is located at Anglikāņu iela 2. This is to the north of the old town centre, close to Riga Castle and the banks of the Daugava River. The neo-Gothic church was designed by Johann Felsko.
0.5 miNE
Museum, History museum
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Riga
14 min walk • The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is a museum and historic educational institution located in Riga, Latvia.
0.5 miSW
Memorial
Monument to the Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders, Riga
14 min walk • The Monument to the Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders, unofficially known simply as the Victory Memorial, is a memorial complex in Victory Park, Riga, Latvia erected in 1985 to commemorate the Soviet Army's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
0.6 miW
Church
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Riga
16 min walk • Holy Trinity Orthodox Church is an Eastern Orthodox church in Riga, the capital of Latvia. The church is situated in Pārdaugava at the address 2 Meža Street.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is National Library of Latvia open?

National Library of Latvia is open:

Monday 9 am - 8 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 8 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 8 pm
Thursday 9 am - 8 pm
Friday 9 am - 8 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Which popular attractions are close to National Library of Latvia?

Nearby attractions include Latvian Railway History Museum, Riga (3 min walk), Akmens tilts, Riga (8 min walk), Iron Bridge, Riga (8 min walk), Railway Bridge, Riga (9 min walk).

How to get to National Library of Latvia by public transport?

The nearest stations to National Library of Latvia:

Bus

Nacionālā bibliotēka • Lines: 10, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 3, 32, 322, 338, 344, 346, 363, 370, 371, 38, 39, 4, 43, 54, 55, 7, 8 (2 min walk)
Uzvaras bulvāris • Lines: 22, 3, 32, 322, 346, 43, 54 (6 min walk)

Trolleybus

Nacionālā bibliotēka • Lines: 27, 9 (3 min walk)
Uzvaras bulvāris • Lines: 9 (6 min walk)

Tram

Nacionālā bibliotēka • Lines: 1, 10, 2, 5 (3 min walk)
Uzvaras bulvāris • Lines: 1, 2, 5 (6 min walk)

Train

Torņakalns (17 min walk)
Rīga-Pasažieru (27 min walk)