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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective

KGB Headquarters
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective

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

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Sobering Experience
Book Guided Tours in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
Prepare for Emotional Impact
The exhibits are intense and can be emotionally challenging. Take your time to process the history.
Check Tour Times
Guided tours are the best way to experience the museum. Check the official website for schedules and booking.
Tips
from all over the internet
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!
Prepare for Emotional Impact
The exhibits are intense and can be emotionally challenging. Take your time to process the history.
Check Tour Times
Guided tours are the best way to experience the museum. Check the official website for schedules and booking.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, the building is quite prominent and located in a central area. Look for the distinctive Art Deco architecture.
Driving is possible, but parking in central Riga can be challenging and expensive. Public transport or walking is generally recommended.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Yes, booking tickets and tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Always consult the official website of the Corner House museum for the current operating schedule before your visit.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Visitors are expected to maintain a respectful demeanor due to the sensitive nature of the exhibits.
Guided tours are generally mandatory to experience the full exhibition and understand the historical context. This ensures visitors receive comprehensive information from trained guides.
📸 📸 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.
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.
The prohibition on photography is to ensure a respectful and somber experience for all visitors, focusing on the historical narrative rather than personal documentation.
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.
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.
🎫 🤔 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.
A guided tour typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow extra time before or after for reflection.
Yes, English-language guided tours are usually available. It's best to confirm the schedule when booking your tickets.
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.'
Due to the sensitive and often disturbing nature of the exhibits, it's generally recommended for older teenagers and adults. Parental discretion is advised.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
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.
Travelers Seeking Meaningful Experiences
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Corner House
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.
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.
Navigating the Museum Experience
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.
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit