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The Corner House

The Corner House
About

The Corner House in Riga, at the junction of Brīvības and Stabu streets, is a stark reminder of Latvia’s Soviet‑era repression. Built in 1912 as an apartment building, it became the KGB’s headquarters during the occupation, where thousands were interrogated, imprisoned, and, in many cases, never returned. Today, as part of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, it offers guided tours through preserved cells, interrogation rooms, and exhibitions that reveal the machinery of surveillance and control, serving both as a memorial and a lesson in history. Nearby, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, housed within the Riga Dome Cathedral ensemble, traces over 800 years of the city’s story. Its 16 halls display artefacts from medieval trade and seafaring to modern times, including the 13th‑century “Riga ship,” Hanseatic weights and measures, and treasures of local craftsmanship. Together, these sites offer a profound journey through Riga’s resilience, from its maritime roots to its endurance under oppression.

Riga Latvia
Location

The Corner House, located at 61 Brīvības iela in the center of Riga, is a historic building famously known as the former headquarters of the Soviet KGB in Latvia. Constructed in 1912, this Art Nouveau-style building served as a site of political repression, interrogation, and imprisonment throughout Latvia’s Soviet occupation. Today, it functions as a museum offering a profound and thought-provoking look into this dark chapter of history, where visitors can explore exhibitions about the KGB’s operations, view prison cells, dungeons, and office spaces, and gain insight into the lives of those who suffered within its walls. The Corner House is centrally located within walking distance of Riga’s key landmarks including the Freedom Monument, the House of the Blackheads, and Riga Central Station, making it easily accessible and an important cultural and historical destination in the city. Public transport options are plentiful along Brīvības iela, ensuring convenient access for visitors.

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