Due to a number of circumstances, the Museum of Literature and Music (MLM) has been in search of a new home for a long time. But we can now say with certainty that from 2022 the exhibits and exhibitions of the MLM will be housed at 6 Mārstaļu iela in Riga Old Town. This building will become home to inspiring and personal stories about the creative journeys of Latvian writers and musicians – stories of uniqueness, inspiration, doubt, strength and recognition.

The history of the building at 6 Mārstaļu iela goes back centuries: it was erected in the 17th century. The building has seen many changes over time and is still considered a historical monument in the baroque classical style. There is no historical evidence as to the identity of the original architect; we know, however, that at the beginning of the 20th century the building saw a major redesign, carried out by architect Wilhelm Bockslaff. Despite the redesign, one of the main historical features of the building – a luxurious portal with rococo elements in the central part of the building’s main facade – was preserved, and can still be seen on the building today. This 18th century portal is included in the national artistic heritage list. The main facade of the building, a three-storey stone building with basement and attic floors, likewise endures to this day.

In the early 20th century (ca. 1904), a Kolonialwaren* store was set up on the ground floor of the building, while the upper floors housed apartments. In 1964, during the Soviet period, the ground and basement floors of the building contained the Central Department Store. The basement floor was also used as a TV and tyre warehouse, and the second floor was used as the dormitory for the Baltic Assemblage Administration. During the late 1980s, the building was adapted for social and administrative functions: the ground and basement floors were repurposed, becoming the spacious premises of the M6 Art Gallery and a small cafe that became a preferred meeting spot for legendary cultural figures and artists. Later, the building was occupied by the Riga House of Photography for over a decade, and at the beginning of the 21st century it was converted into a hostel.

Since 2011, Mārstaļu 6 has stood empty. The building is now being prepared for the changes and renovation necessary for it to welcome its new tenants – the MLM. Moving into the heart of the Old Town will give the museum a new life and value, making it more accessible to both local and foreign visitors.

 

*Colonial goods (German)

Photo: Courtesy of Uldis Bārdiņš