Āgenskalns Market
Āgenskalns Market (Latvian: Āgenskalna tirgus) is the oldest marketplace on the left bank of Daugava in Riga. Āgenskalns Market’s building is one of the examples of 20th-century rational Art Nouveau.
History
The market was opened in 1898. At that time it was very simple, there was no shelter for people or for the goods when the weather was bad or it was markets closing time. That’s why in 1914 the construction of the building started.
The architect of the building is Reinhold Schmaeling. The construction started in 1911 but it was stopped when building was just half-completed in 1914 because of World War I. It was completely finished in 1923 when its front entrance was re-designed by Alfrēds Grīnbergs.
The main building consists of 219 spaces for sellers on the outside and 2 pavilions: vegetable (116 spaces for sellers) and milk and meat (108 spaces for sellers).
In 2015, Āgenskalns Market was leased to Rīgas Centrāltirgus, however, due to its inability to fulfil the agreement and maintain the market, the agreement was terminated. At the beginning of 2018, the Āgenskalns Market was closed for renovation, which according to the estimates of Riga City Council would cost around 10 million euros.
In May 2018, Āgenskalns Market was leased for 30 years to the company Kalnciema iela. Since 2018 August 3 the outside territory of marketplace is open for sale persons and customers. In 2022, the interior renovation was finished and the market was reopened on 7 May.
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Open since 1898, Āgenskalns Market is the largest and oldest market in the neighborhood and has the status of a national cultural monument. From 2018 to 2022 the historical pavilion of the market had a renovation and it reopened in May 2022. It now offers a vibrant mix of local produce, foreign delicacies and street food - perfect if you're exploring unique things to do in Riga beyond the usual tourist trail.
On the ground floor of the renovated pavilion, farmers and small-scale producers offer their goods. Among them are both well-known and brand-new producers – for the first time in Pārdaugava, visitors can experience the “Valmiermuiža Beer Embassy” and the confectionery “Kūkotava.” Dairy products are available from the beloved “Straupe Piens,” fresh bread can be bought from bakeries like “Lāči,” “Grant’s Bakery,” and “Better Bread,” and the best coffee can be enjoyed at “Kalve Coffee.” Visitors are also treated to a particularly wide selection of fish and meat products from small producers.
Meanwhile, the second floor offers a chance to enjoy a meal and drinks in a lively market atmosphere. Here you’ll find local favorites like the “VEST” bar, “Marmelāde,” and the “Vīnkalni” pizzeria.
Āgenskalns Market is an inclusive, diverse, and environmentally friendly public space where cultural, educational, and other events take place in collaboration with neighborhood and city organizations. A unique concept for the city – a co-creation kitchen – has long been open on the second floor of the pavilion. It regularly hosts free educational events on healthy living and environmental awareness. Anyone interested can rent it out for a private event, such as a larger birthday party that may not fit in a home setting.
In restoring the Āgenskalns Market pavilion, its historical character has been preserved. The red brick facade, intricate metal structures, and the grand spatial composition with wide interior galleries are of notable architectural value. After the renovation, the interior has regained its original majesty, allowing visitors to enjoy the market atmosphere in a historic setting.
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