Archaeologists Discover Rich Historical Evidence Near Arsenāls
During the reconstruction of the Arsenāls Art Museum in Riga's Torņa Street, archaeologists have uncovered a vast array of artifacts shedding new light on Old Riga's development from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
In Riga's Torņa Street, archaeologists led by Dr. hist. Artūrs Tomsons have discovered a rich collection of historical evidence during the renovation of the Arsenāls Art Museum. The finds help expand understanding of the quarter's history and the development of the northwestern part of Old Riga.
The most significant discovery area is the former medieval city moat, where the moist environment preserved organic materials such as leather, textiles, and wooden items. Among the finds are fragments of ceramic and stoneware vessels, white clay pipes, coins, buttons, buckles, knives, tableware, and well-preserved leather shoes. Military finds include musket, pistol, and artillery balls, cavalry equipment, and rare fragments of iron armor plates with remains of leather straps and buckles.
Notably, a horseshoe brooch with turned-up ends was found, indicating the presence of Latvian inhabitants in medieval Riga. Archaeologist Artūrs Tomsons notes that the finds enhance understanding of Riga's ethnically diverse society and provide material for discussions about the cultural environment.
Alongside archaeological work, Torņa Street is being renovated from Jēkaba Street to Arsenāla Street. Work includes installing a modern rainwater drainage system to protect the museum basement from groundwater, and granite paving at the intersection with Noliktavas Street to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Archaeological monitoring will continue until September.
A more detailed report on the findings will be available in autumn. Inside the museum, renovation continues including staircase restoration, installation of engineering systems, and construction of a new podium in the lobby. The building project uses BIM methodology and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, with the museum moving into the renovated building in 2028.
The total project cost is €19,564,108.06 including VAT, mostly from EU ERDF funds, with €139,982 from Riga municipality. Construction is carried out by PS "P un S Būvniecība" at a contract price of €13,789,562.35 excluding VAT.
