Located in the heart of Old Riga, Kalēju 23 is one of the most artistically elegant examples of eclectic-decorative Art Nouveau. Designed by Paul Mandelstamm in 1903, the building's facade is famous for its rich ornamentation. The central highlight is the corner bay window, surrounded by lush chestnut foliage and floral motifs.
At the very center of the bay window sits a gilded sun—a popular Art Nouveau symbol representing the blossoming of life and renewal. Mandelstamm’s work here beautifully transitions from historical forms to the decorative freedom of Jugendstil. The facade, restored in 1983, remains a vivid testimony to the architectural flourishing of early 20th-century Riga.
Read more about the architectural evolution of the city in our previous article: Alberta iela 4: The Birth of Riga’s Art Nouveau]
