After serving as Riga's first permanent German Theatre, the building eventually fell into disuse and disrepair, closing its doors in 2007 due to severe deterioration. The ambitious project to restore this vital piece of European cultural heritage has been in planning for years, with the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone occurring on May 21, 2023, marking the official commencement of significant construction work.
Current Status and Recent Developments (as of late 2024 / early 2025 reporting):
The renovation is an extensive and complex undertaking, and work is very much ongoing:
Foundation Reinforcement Underway: A critical phase involving the reinforcement of the building's foundations began in October 2024. This followed extensive preparatory work where the structural condition was found to be worse than initially anticipated. Specialists are installing foundation-strengthening piles, a time-consuming process given the historic architecture and challenging soil near the Rīdzene River.
Venice Architecture Biennale Exhibition (May-November 2025): A scale model (1:30) of the Riga Wagner Theatre is a central exhibit at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale. This exhibition, titled "No Doubt About It," highlights the theatre's historical significance and provides a visualization of the building post-restoration. Following the Biennale, the model will return to Riga to become a central exhibit in the future Wagner Museum.
Complex Structural Work: The renovation continues to involve substantial structural reinforcement, repair of ceilings, and restoration of load-bearing walls. Engineers have developed on-site solutions for unexpected structural issues encountered during construction.
Historical Preservation and New Facilities: The project aims to restore original architectural details, such as mosaic parquet floors, wooden doors, and windows. Simultaneously, it will integrate modern infrastructure, including a new orchestra pit, a "Muse Hall" for chamber music concerts, and a Richard Wagner museum in the attic.
Leadership and Funding: The project is driven by the Riga Richard Wagner Society, led by its chairman Māris Gailis. The project also has the support of patrons, including Eva Wagner-Pasquier (Richard Wagner's great-granddaughter), Frank-Walter Steinmeier (President of Germany), and Egils Levits (former President of Latvia). It receives significant financial support from both the Latvian and German governments.
Expected Completion: The building is now expected to be completed by early 2028 at the latest, with the total project cost estimated at nearly 45 million Euros.
The restoration of the Riga Wagner Theatre is a multi-year effort that, while formally commenced over two years ago, continues with critical construction phases actively progressing towards its anticipated completion.
