Author: Anete Sprukte

The first Riga Art Week (RAW) was concluded with strong public interest, as the creative city “Grīziņdārzs” became the epicenter of artistic activity, hosting the festival’s official opening event, which drew over 400 guests. On May 28 and 30, two exclusive events took place in our unique space, bringing together gastronomy, performance, and contemporary art in an immersive experience.

A fusion of time, space, and taste – a place where food becomes art

On May 28, “Grīziņdārzs” hosted an exclusive event — “A Gastronomic Provocation in Time and Space.” This symbiosis of performance and gastronomy — created by Skudras Metropole producer Gundega Skudriņa, Don’t Panic Design Solutions designer Mārcis Ziemiņš, and chef Ina Poliščenko — transformed food from an everyday meal into a tool for crossing the boundaries of conventional perception, prompting reflections on the passage of time, the illusion of choice, and the essence of existence.

“Gastronomic performance is a powerful medium that, through artistic expression and the symbiosis of various art forms, addresses essential themes, draws attention to pressing issues, conveys strong messages, and encourages society to think, analyze, and apply critical thinking,” emphasizes Gundega Skudriņa.

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RAW opening event lights up “Grīziņdārzs” with creativity from the Baltics

Meanwhile, on May 30, the official opening event of RAW took place, uniting music, performance, and contemporary art into a cohesive experience. The event featured three outstanding Baltic artists, each expressing their interpretation of the depth and significance of contemporary art. In the unique bunker space of “Grīziņdārzs”, visitors had the opportunity to view Emilija Škarnulytė’s video installation “Eternal Return”, which used innovative mapping technologies and symbolic metaphors to invite reflection on humanity’s history, future, and the dimensions of time.

Estonian artist Kitty Florentine performed “Balance”, an exploration of equilibrium through movement, sound, and the process of connection, allowing the audience to experience sensations that precede conscious understanding. The evening concluded with a presentation of Domenique Dumont’s latest album “Deux Paradis”, performed live in Latvia for the very first time.

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“Grīziņdārzs” is committed to supporting a variety of initiatives that not only enrich the Grīziņkalns neighborhood but also contribute to the diversity of Riga’s cultural landscape.

Looking forward to all the great events ahead!

One of the world’s leading iGaming technology and service providers, Evolution, has made a strategic decision to expand its presence in Riga by opening a new office in the creative city “Grīziņdārzs”. The company will establish a spacious, three-story office with a total area of 2,500 m². This marks a significant step not only for Evolution but also for the development of the “Grīziņdārzs” office and retail complex, reinforcing its position as a prime location for large international enterprises.

A Strategic Choice – Why “Grīziņdārzs”?

With its blend of historical industrial architecture and state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, the creative city “Grīziņdārzs” has emerged as one of Riga’s most promising business hubs. Evolution’s decision to choose this location for its continued expansion is a clear testament to the fact that “Grīziņdārzs” offers a premium working environment that meets the high standards of global tech companies. “We were looking for an environment that provides both outstanding comfort for our employees and modern technology to support our rapid growth. The infrastructure, strategic location, and flexible approach to customizing the space for our specific needs were decisive factors in choosing “Grīziņdārzs” for our new office,” says Kaspars Fedorovs, Head of Operations at Evolution Latvia.

Tailored Facilities for a Leading Company

To meet Evolution’s high standards, “Grīziņdārzs” is undertaking extensive renovation work, customizing one of the complex’s eight buildings specifically for the company’s needs. The building is fully insulated and equipped with modern ventilation and air conditioning systems to create a contemporary and comfortable working environment. One of the building’s standout features is its large windows, which ensure abundant natural light—an especially important consideration for Evolution.

“We are open to the needs of large international companies and are capable of adapting our spaces to fit specific business models,” emphasizes Andrejs Stolbuškins, Director of “RA Invest”. “Evolution’s entry into Grīziņdārzs confirms that a unique environment is emerging here – one that attracts forward-thinking companies that value both modern technology and a creative atmosphere.”

“Grīziņdārzs” – A New Hub for International Enterprises

Evolution’s arrival in “Grīziņdārzs” is a significant milestone that further solidifies the complex’s reputation as an innovative and prestigious business center. A unique ecosystem is forming here, one that draws top-tier international brands and technology companies who value a creative setting and modern infrastructure. Evolution is expected to move into its new premises later this year. “Grīziņdārzs” will continue its development, offering innovative solutions for companies across various industries and building an environment that meets the demands of today’s dynamic business landscape. Evolution’s decision to choose “Grīziņdārzs” affirms that the project has become a key player in Riga’s office market and is ready to welcome other international enterprises.  

From May 26 to June 1, 2025, Riga will host a new and dynamic arts festival – Riga Art Week (RAW). We are proud to announce that “Grīziņdārzs” has become one of the main supporters of this important cultural initiative. This initiative contributes to the enrichment of the city’s cultural life and the promotion of Riga’s international visibility. This unique event will bring together art organizations, galleries, and industry professionals, reinforcing Riga’s position on the European cultural map.

RAW is a fresh and vibrant contemporary art event that offers an outstanding opportunity for all art enthusiasts and the general public to explore the diversity of modern artistic expression. Throughout the week, visitors will not only be able to experience and appreciate contemporary art but also take part in a variety of educational and cultural activities that provide new perspectives and deeper insights into the world of art. The festival will showcase contemporary art’s integration into Riga’s urban environment, featuring events in both established cultural venues and emerging creative neighborhoods, including “Grīziņdārzs”.

We are delighted that creative city “Grīziņdārzs” has been chosen as the official venue for the festival’s opening event. The mission of “Grīziņdārzs” is to foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and community engagement in the Grīziņkalns area while preserving and honoring the neighborhood’s unique cultural and historical identity. Supporting RAW is a natural extension of our commitment to strengthening Riga’s cultural landscape and enhancing its recognition across Europe.

The official opening of the festival will take place on May 30 at “Grīziņdārzs” and will feature outstanding artists from the Baltic States:

• Emilija Škarnulytė (Lithuania) – an internationally acclaimed artist known for her significant and thought-provoking works
• Domenique Dumont (Latvia) – an electronic music duo celebrated for their dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes
• Kitty Florentine (Estonia) – an innovative talent bringing fresh perspectives to the Baltic art scene

We hope events like this will become an annual tradition, enriching the cultural life of Grīziņkalns each year.

For more information about the RAW program, please visit the official website at https://www.rigaartweek.com or social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

We invite all art lovers and curious individuals to join us at RAW for an exciting cultural experience. We look forward to seeing you at the event soon!

We are pleased to announce that, with the €2.5 million financing granted by Swedbank, we have the opportunity to continue the development of “Grīziņdārzs” by creating a modern office and retail complex that will also serve as an inspiring lifestyle hub. This ambitious project is being implemented in collaboration with the renowned architectural firm “Open Architecture Design,” led by the internationally recognized architect Zane Tetere-Šulce.

The industrial buildings on the former “Rīgas Adītājs” factory site are being transformed while preserving their historical charm and highlighting architectural details such as large windows and factory loft design elements. As a result, a unique working environment is created, where historical heritage is seamlessly integrated with modern solutions.

The main goal of “Grīziņdārzs” is to preserve and highlight the cultural and historical value of the neighborhood while modernizing infrastructure and creating an environment that serves both business and community activities. In the future, the area will offer opportunities for cultural and public events, making it a dynamic gathering place. Swedbank’s financing is being invested in building renovations, green space restoration, and infrastructure improvements, creating an attractive and sustainable district for both residents and businesses.

“Supporting initiatives that revitalize urban spaces to benefit the local community should be a priority for every business. Grīziņkalns is a unique part of Riga with a rich history, and transforming old industrial areas into attractive spaces for entrepreneurs not only revitalizes unused territories but also makes Riga more beautiful. We are proud that Swedbank is part of this transformation, and this project is a great example of how innovative ideas and careful planning can come together to create a dynamic and appealing environment” says Jevgenijs Ivanovs, Head of Swedbank’s Corporate Division and Member of the Board.

Andrejs Stolbuškins, head of RA Invest, emphasizes: “The ‘Grīziņdārzs’ project is more than just real estate development for us—it is our contribution to Riga and the Grīziņkalns neighborhood. We see this place as an opportunity to bring life back to an area that has been silent for decades. It is about respecting history and blending it with future visions. We want to create a space where people feel inspired—both those who work here and those who simply come to enjoy this place. Thank you to Swedbank for believing in this vision. Together, we are not just restoring buildings but also creating new energy throughout the entire district.”

The “Grīziņdārzs” office and retail complex features eight buildings spanning over 16,100 square meters, offering inspiring spaces for businesses across various industries. These spaces are designed to meet diverse needs while maintaining high levels of comfort and incorporating modern industrial architectural and interior design solutions. This center not only enhances the urban environment but also provides a green and well-organized space for the city’s residents.

Looking Back at 2024: A Year of Growth and Gratitude

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with deep gratitude and pride for all that we have accomplished. This year has been exceptional for Grīziņdārzs—marked by significant achievements and inspiring transformations. None of this would have been possible without you—our dedicated tenants, architects, builders, and partners. Your support and trust are the foundation of Grīziņdārzs’ growth.

Major Achievements of the Year

2024 was defined by several key milestones:

• K2 Building Facade Renovation: The modernization of the K2 building has created a functional and contemporary space for offices and commercial tenants. Our next step in 2025 is to design a unique interior that will unlock the building’s full potential and attract the perfect tenants.
• K1(D) Building Renovation: The renovation of the K1(D) building has begun, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming new tenants to this refreshed space.

However, this year wasn’t just about building renovations—we also continued strengthening Grīziņdārzs’ identity as a sustainable and creative urban development project.

Green Thinking and Sustainability Initiatives

In 2024, sustainability was one of our top priorities. We take great pride in our green initiatives, particularly:

• Beehives on the K4 Building Roof: In June, we installed 10 beehives on the roof of the K4 building, symbolizing our commitment to biodiversity. This initiative not only improved air quality in the area but also allowed us to produce local honey—bringing joy to office workers and the wider community.

Celebrations and Recognitions

This year was also filled with celebrations and recognition:

• K2 Topping-Out Ceremony: Marking the successful completion of renovation work.
• Outdoor Stage Opening: This new cultural space in Grīziņdārzs was launched with an unforgettable event featuring cellist Tomass Ančs, an impressive bartender show, and an inspiring speech by Zane Tetere.
• BREL Awards Nomination: We participated in the prestigious “Renovated Project of the Year” category. Although we didn’t win, our participation highlights our ability to stand alongside top office complexes and reinforces our commitment to restoring historic buildings with high-quality and sustainable standards.

Completion of Klijānu Street Extension

In October 2024, we completed a significant infrastructure improvement—the extension of Klijānu Street. This new road provides a convenient connection between Grīziņdārzs and Brīvības Street, improving access to the VEF Bridge. The project was realized in collaboration with our neighbors—Sprinkler Service and GS Baltics—and was fully funded by our own resources. This investment not only enhances accessibility to Grīziņdārzs but also contributes to the city’s infrastructure as a whole.

Creative Ideas for the Underground Bunker

Last Thursday, a festive atmosphere filled the courtyard of “Grīziņdārzs” as the new outdoor stage was officially unveiled. This event marks a significant turning point in the development of “Grīziņdārzs”, symbolizing our commitment to creating not just a modern work environment, but also a vibrant cultural space.

The event brought together “Grīziņdārzs” tenants, partners, and friends to collectively celebrate this important occasion. The opening ceremony was hosted by the charismatic Niklāvs Kurpnieks, who throughout the evening introduced the attendees to the vision and future plans of “Grīziņdārzs”.

Guests also had the opportunity to enjoy a special musical performance – a captivating recital by cellist Tomass Ančs, which gave the event an unforgettable atmosphere. The music performed by Tomass complemented the new outdoor stage perfectly, highlighting its potential for hosting a variety of cultural events in the future.

The evening concluded with an exciting bartender show, demonstrating the potential of “Grīziņdārzs” to become a place where work harmoniously coexists with entertainment and culture.

The new outdoor stage is more than just a performance area – it represents “Grīziņdārzs'” commitment to creating a place where culture, business, and community meet. The goal of “Grīziņdārzs” is to become a place where people not only work but also find inspiration, relax, and enjoy cultural life. The opening of the new outdoor stage is just the beginning of this broader vision for “Grīziņdārzs”. In the coming months and years, we will continue to develop this unique urban environment, creating a space that inspires, unites, and fosters creativity.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this special evening and helped make it unforgettable. We look forward to future events on our new stage!

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