The building was designed by architect Aleksandrs Vanags and originally served as an apartment house before being requisitioned by the Soviet regime.
The nickname 'The Corner House' (Stūra māja) originated from its prominent position at the junction of two major Riga streets.
Surveillance equipment and original office furniture used by KGB officers remain in situ within several restored rooms.
Graffiti scratched into the walls of the holding cells by prisoners have been preserved as historical evidence of their detention.
The basement prison system was designed to be soundproofed from the outside world, creating an environment of complete isolation for inmates.
The Corner House, located at the intersection of Brīvības and Stabu streets, served as the headquarters of the Latvian SSR KGB from 1940 to 1991. The building now functions as a museum detailing the history of Soviet-era political repression and state security operations in Latvia. Visitors can view former interrogation rooms, prison cells, and the inner courtyard where executions once occurred. The museum utilizes the original architecture to provide an immersive experience of the Cheka’s administrative control. Exhibitions focus on the methodology of surveillance and the lives of those detained within the walls. It remains a somber site of historical remembrance regarding the impact of totalitarian rule on the local population. Access to the prison basement is often restricted to guided tours to maintain the historical integrity of the site.
The imposing exterior facade facing the street, which retains its original 20th-century architectural austerity.
Book a guided tour in advance to access the restricted prison basement area.
Wear a light jacket even in summer, as the basement level remains consistently cold.
Allow extra time to read the extensive documentary archives displayed in the upper floor galleries.
Do not attempt to enter the basement prison areas without a guide, as they are secured for historical preservation reasons.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor; photography is permitted, but avoid flash in designated sensitive areas.
