KGB Headquarters
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KGB Headquarters

3.2
·93 reviews·Minsk, Belarus

The former KGB Headquarters in Riga, now the Corner House museum, offers a chilling glimpse into Soviet-era repression and interrogation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflective

CrowdLow
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KGB Headquarters

KGB Headquarters

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflective

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The former KGB Headquarters in Riga, now the Corner House museum, offers a chilling glimpse into Soviet-era repression and interrogation. Instagram

3.2
(93 reviews)

"A sobering and essential visit to understand Latvia's past and the impact of Soviet rule. Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

Respect the Rules

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Be mindful and respectful of the solemn atmosphere.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing during the guided tour. Comfort is key!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Interrogation Rooms

The Interrogation Rooms

Interior

Step into the chilling rooms where dissenters faced brutal interrogations and psychological torment. A stark reminder of the past.

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Prisoner Cells

Prisoner Cells

Interior

See the cramped and bleak cells where individuals were held, often without knowing their fate. A deeply affecting part of the exhibition.

Instagram
The Execution Cellar

The Execution Cellar

Basement

Experience the profound silence of the cellar, a place of finality for many during the Soviet era. A truly impactful historical site.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Sobering Experience

The KGB Headquarters, known as the Corner House, is a powerful reminder of Soviet oppression. Expect a deeply moving and somber visit. Photography is restricted, so focus on absorbing the history. Instagram+1

Book Guided Tours in Advance

To truly understand the history and significance of the KGB Headquarters, guided tours are essential. They offer insights into the interrogation rooms, cells, and execution sites. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak season. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Guides share compelling stories
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The scariest museum in Europe 🇱🇻 Located in the heart of Riga, Latvia, the Corner House is a reminder of the Soviet era’s control and terror. Once the headquarters of the KGB in Latvia, this building was used for brutal interrogations, imprisonments, and executions. The KGB targeted anyone who opposed Soviet rule, and many of the prisoners held here were subjected to cruel torture in hopes of ex...
lukepatrickh
12.8K likes • 354.3K views

Respect the Rules

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Be mindful and respectful of the solemn atmosphere. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing during the guided tour. Comfort is key! Instagram

KGB Headquarters in Riga #history #prison #riga #latvia #museum #travel
uxui_designer
13 likes • 505 views
▪ Visit the former KGB headquarters in Riga! ▪ Guided tours will show you the prisoners` cells, their exercise yard and the cellars. ▪ Tickets and info: https://okupacijasmuzejs.lv/en
stura_maja
13 likes • 452 views

Prepare for Emotional Impact

The exhibits are intense and can be emotionally challenging. Take your time to process the history. Instagram

Check Tour Times

Guided tours are the best way to experience the museum. Check the official website for schedules and booking. Instagram

Main KGB headquarters in Latvia. #balticadventure #latvia #cornerhouse
m_arianne87
2 likes • 93 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Respect the Rules

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Be mindful and respectful of the solemn atmosphere. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing during the guided tour. Comfort is key! Instagram

Prepare for Emotional Impact

The exhibits are intense and can be emotionally challenging. Take your time to process the history. Instagram

Check Tour Times

Guided tours are the best way to experience the museum. Check the official website for schedules and booking. Instagram

What Travellers Say

3.2
(93 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors describe the KGB Headquarters as a deeply sobering and historically significant site. While the experience is emotionally impactful and photography is prohibited, the guided tours are highly praised for their informative and moving narratives. It's considered an essential visit for understanding Latvia's past. InstagramReddit+1

"I almost got killed in front of this building because the traffic light for pedestrian crossing doesn't work properly. The red countdown in front of the sushi restaurant"

Luca Gentile (Cyclorbit)

"good human rights, well done, would be abducted and water-boarded here again, quite an efficient team. congrats."

bilibelus B

"KGB HQ, Nice historic building, you’re not allowed to take pictures of it officially"

G S

What People Like

Informative guided tours
Historical significance
Sobering atmosphere

What People Dislike

No photography allowed
Emotionally challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The KGB Headquarters, also known as the Corner House, is centrally located in Riga, Latvia. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several bus and tram lines stopping nearby. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from Riga's Old Town. Instagram+1

Yes, the building is quite prominent and located in a central area. Look for the distinctive Art Deco architecture. Instagram

Driving is possible, but parking in central Riga can be challenging and expensive. Public transport or walking is generally recommended. Reddit

From Riga Airport, you can take bus number 22 directly to the city center, which is a short walk from the Corner House. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Instagram

While the main exhibition areas are generally accessible, some parts of the historic building, like the cellar, may present challenges. It's advisable to check with the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but guided tours are typically required for entry. It's best to check the official museum website for the most up-to-date pricing and tour options. Instagram

Yes, booking tickets and tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and preferred time slot. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. Always consult the official website of the Corner House museum for the current operating schedule before your visit. Instagram

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Visitors are expected to maintain a respectful demeanor due to the sensitive nature of the exhibits. Reddit

Guided tours are generally mandatory to experience the full exhibition and understand the historical context. This ensures visitors receive comprehensive information from trained guides. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

No, photography is strictly forbidden inside the KGB Headquarters (Corner House) museum. This is to maintain the solemn atmosphere and respect for the historical site. Reddit

Generally, no photos are permitted inside the exhibition spaces. You may be able to take photos of the exterior of the building, but always check for any posted signage. Reddit

The prohibition on photography is to ensure a respectful and somber experience for all visitors, focusing on the historical narrative rather than personal documentation. Reddit

While not explicitly stated as prohibited, it's advisable to be discreet when photographing the exterior, as the building itself holds historical significance and may have specific regulations. Reddit

Focus on engaging with the exhibits, listening to your guide, and perhaps journaling your thoughts and feelings after the visit. The experience is meant to be internal. Instagram

🎫 🤔 Onsite Experience

The KGB Headquarters, known as the Corner House, is a museum dedicated to the victims of Soviet repression. It features former interrogation rooms, prison cells, and exhibits detailing the history of the KGB in Latvia. It's a very sobering and impactful experience. Instagram+1

A guided tour typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow extra time before or after for reflection. Instagram

Yes, English-language guided tours are usually available. It's best to confirm the schedule when booking your tickets. Instagram

The museum covers the period of Soviet occupation in Latvia, focusing on the activities of the KGB, including interrogations, arrests, and executions of perceived 'enemies of the state.' Instagram+1

Due to the sensitive and often disturbing nature of the exhibits, it's generally recommended for older teenagers and adults. Parental discretion is advised. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by 20th-century history, particularly the Soviet era and its impact on Eastern Europe, the KGB Headquarters is a must-visit. The museum offers a direct and unvarnished look into the machinery of state terror. The guided tours provide in-depth historical context that goes beyond textbook knowledge. Instagram+1

Pay close attention to the details shared by the guides, as they often include personal stories and lesser-known facts about the KGB's operations in Latvia. This is an opportunity to gain a profound understanding of a critical period in history. Instagram

Travelers Seeking Meaningful Experiences

If you're looking for travel experiences that offer more than just sightseeing, the KGB Headquarters provides a deeply meaningful encounter with history. It's a place that encourages reflection on human rights, resilience, and the consequences of political oppression. Instagram

While it can be an emotionally challenging visit, many find it to be one of the most impactful and memorable parts of their trip to Riga. It offers a different perspective on the city's past and present. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Corner House

The building now housing the KGB Headquarters museum, known as the Corner House, served as the primary base for the Committee for State Security (KGB) in Latvia during the Soviet occupation. From its Art Deco facade, it concealed a dark reality of oppression, interrogation, and execution. Many Latvians who opposed Soviet rule, or were simply suspected of disloyalty, were brought here to face brutal treatment. Instagram+1

The museum meticulously documents the methods used by the KGB, including psychological manipulation, physical torture, and prolonged solitary confinement. Visitors can walk through the actual interrogation rooms and prison cells, offering a visceral connection to the past. The exhibits also highlight the stories of individuals who suffered within these walls, serving as a powerful testament to their resilience and the injustices they faced. Instagram+1

Visiting the Corner House is more than just a historical tour; it's an act of remembrance and a commitment to understanding the devastating impact of totalitarian regimes. It serves as a crucial educational site, ensuring that the lessons of this dark period are not forgotten and that such atrocities are never repeated. Instagram

Navigating the Museum Experience

The KGB Headquarters museum experience is designed to be deeply immersive and educational. Guided tours are the primary way to explore the building, with knowledgeable guides providing context and sharing harrowing accounts of the past. These tours are crucial for understanding the significance of each room and artifact. Instagram

Visitors should be prepared for a somber and emotionally charged atmosphere. The starkness of the former interrogation rooms and prison cells is palpable. It's important to approach the visit with an open mind and a willingness to confront difficult historical truths. Photography is strictly prohibited to maintain the integrity and solemnity of the space. Reddit

After the tour, many visitors find it beneficial to take some time for quiet reflection. The museum aims to educate and provoke thought, encouraging visitors to consider the importance of human rights and the dangers of unchecked power. Instagram

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