Self-guided street art tour of Sarkandaugava – explore Riga’s best murals

Regular readers of my blog know I'm passionate about street art, and wherever I travel, I make a point of seeking it out. I have been particularly impressed by the street-art scenes in Medellín, New York, and London. By comparison, street art in Latvia has often felt somewhat lacking, which has been disappointing. Fortunately, that seems to be changing, with vibrant artworks starting to appear in both Liepaja and Riga, particularly in the Sarkandaugava neighbourhood. Naturally, I was keen to explore these new works and share them with you in my latest article on street art in Sarkandaugava. But first, let’s take a closer look at the neighbourhood itself.

Sarkandaugava neighbourhood

Sarkandaugava, a neighbourhood in Riga with a rich industrial history dating back to the 19th century, is known for its mix of old industrial and residential buildings, as well as Soviet-era additions. Legend has it that the neighbourhood got its name from a fierce battle that turned the waters of the Daugava River red with blood, hence the name Sarkandaugava, which translates as “Red Daugava”. Originally a rural area inhabited by fishermen and boatmen, like the Kipsala neighbourhood, it later attracted wealthy residents who built summer estates there. The industrial boom in the early 19th century transformed Sarkandaugava into a hub for major production facilities such as sawmills and factories. Today, the neighbourhood is home to around 11,000 residents and offers a mix of architectural styles, including wooden cottages, masonry buildings, and Soviet-era architecture.

Row Baltics – Baltic street art and culture festival

Row Baltics 2026 was an international festival celebrating street art and urban culture in Sarkandaugava during Street Art Month. Founded by street artist Dainis Rudens, hip-hop musician ansis, and skateboarder Madars Apse, the event brought together participants from across the Baltics and Europe, including musicians, skateboarders, muralists, and graffiti artists. The festival’s theme in 2026 was “battle”, reflecting the competitive aspect of street art and hip-hop culture as a means of creative expression and dialogue within the urban environment. The event allowed artists to showcase their work and engage with the public, turning Sarkandaugava into a vibrant hub of urban culture for a day.

I recommend exploring the street-art trail in Sarkandaugava, which features artwork from the Row Baltics 2026 festival as well as older pieces. I was happy to explore the trail together with street artist Dainis Rudens, but you can easily do it on your own. Let’s begin.

Parnese

The large mural titled Parnese by French street artist Fred Batla stands in Aleksa Square in Sarkandaugava. It highlights themes of sustainability, cultural exchange, and the community’s power to reinterpret history, illustrating that a city’s true heritage lies in its residents, their memories, and their connections. The artwork’s concept naturally resonates with the identity of Sarkandaugava, one of Riga’s oldest industrial areas, where industrial heritage, the port area, and stories from the past intertwine with the modern urban environment and street culture.

Neibart’s Book

Zahars Ze’s ceramic tile artwork pays tribute to Aivars Neibarts, also known as Nurbulis, a poet and author who had a strong connection to the Sarkandaugava area. It depicts the poet holding an open book, with a cat, nature motifs and other symbols emerging from its pages, reflecting Neibarts’s imaginative and paradoxical style. Known for his rich imagination and unique perspective, Neibarts drew inspiration from both nature and city life for his works.

Address: Azu iela 6

City Pastures

The visual concept of the mosaic by Irina Krilo draws on a 1945 photograph showing the Kalnins family posing with their livestock in front of an industrial building. This image serves as a reminder of the neighbourhood’s history and highlights the urban pastures that once surrounded the area.

Address: Simana 3с.

The Presence of Time

Inspired by the glass workshop across the street at 5 Simana Street, the mural depicts a clock whose dial seems to blend into the façade, revealing the weathered brickwork beneath as a reminder of the passage of time. The concept explores how time leaves its mark, with the mural itself expected to change over time as a result of environmental factors. Artist Zane Ruksane conceived the idea, while artist Eriks Caune executed the work on the façade.

Address: Simana iela 8.

The Road Home

Artist Valerija Sosova’s mural The Road Home was produced for Riga Street Art Month, drawing inspiration from the history of Sarkandaugava and its strong ties to water. The piece reimagines historic elements of Sarkandaugava through a contemporary narrative centred on travel, identity, and coming back to one’s roots.

Address: Simana iela 10.

Sarkandaugava Time Sphere

Artists Laura Prikule and Eva Vevere of the Artists’ Association “Poetic Robotism” created the Sarkandaugava Time Sphere mural in August 2026 as part of Riga Street Art Month. The artwork was inspired by feedback from residents and visitors to Sarkandaugava about their perceptions and experiences of time in the area. These stories and symbols of local time were incorporated into the mural through performative actions and reflected in the initial sketch.

Address: The yard of the eS14 community centre, Simana iela 14.

At Peace

A new mural by Eriks Caune now adorns 20 Tilta Street. The artwork depicts a sleeping child as a symbol of tranquillity and encourages us to seek peace in our daily lives and to find it in the presence and well-being of others. Simple in appearance yet rich in visual and philosophical depth, the mural conveys hope for the future, warmth, security, and comfort. The artist suggests that the fast pace of life and constant noise can disturb our inner peace. While the painting may not solve these problems, it offers a peaceful contrast to the noise and bustle of everyday life. The colour scheme was carefully chosen to complement the building on which the mural is displayed. Completing the painting took five days, with the overall mood and surrounding environment carefully considered.

Mosaic of symbols of Sarkandaugava

A large artwork depicting symbols of Sarkandaugava covers the side of the Mego store. Artist Irina Kricalo, a Sarkandaugava resident, created the mosaic to showcase the neighbourhood’s architectural landmarks such as churches, cultural centres, and the railway station. Completed in 2023, the mosaic was a collaborative effort involving more than a hundred residents, who took part in workshops to create the artwork together.

Address: Sarkandaugavas iela 6A

Mural on Zageru Street

Under the direction of Dainis Rudens, a group of 26 Latvian and international street artists collaborated on a 400 m² mural centred on the theme of “battle”. While the concept is commonly associated with aggression, the artists interpreted it as a representation of creative, non-violent competition within street culture. Notable participants included @duona28, who took first place for their exceptional interpretation and execution of the theme; Dmitry Vmiasa, who placed second overall; and Pinka, a well-known local artist who finished third. The Estonian delegation also made a strong showing, with artists such as Izak One, Sodacats, Minty Shrimp, and Sänk showcasing their talent at the Row Baltics 2026 festival.

Support

Jevgenija Bikti is a highly skilled and experienced artist and a member of the women’s creative association PoN Crew. Her mural Support, located on Haapsala Street and completed in 2025, is the first large-scale mural on a residential building in Latvia to have been fully designed and executed by a woman. It marks an important development in Latvian public art, highlighting the role of artistic skill and professional expertise in creating impactful murals, regardless of the artist’s gender. Bikti’s distinctive artistic style combines illustration and graphic design with influences from East Asian visual culture. The mural centres on themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and mutual support, while the chanterelle motif symbolises connections within the Latvian landscape and represents a network of community, trust, and solidarity.

Address: Hapsalas iela 32.

Red

The brightly coloured face, created by Dainis Rudens in 2013, adorns the brick building at 8 Priezu Street. According to the artist, the area has a unique atmosphere that is hard to put into words, making it easy to lose track of time while exploring. Dedicated to his girlfriend, this visually striking work reflects the artist’s desire to bring bright colours and a romantic mood to Sarkandaugava's urban environment.

What other sights to explore in Sarkandaugava

The Latvian Cultural Museum "Dauderi" is situated near Zageru Street in Sarkandaugava and is housed in the former villa of Ádolf von Bingner, the owner of the Waldschlößchen brewery. This villa also served as the summer residence of Prime Minister and State Minister Karlis Ulmanis from 1937 to 1940. The museum showcases exhibits related to Latvia's early independence period and the cultural endeavours of Latvian exiles.

Practical information

This walking tour map might be useful during your visit.

To reach Sarkandaugava from Riga city centre, take a train to Skulte and get off at the Sarkandaugava stop. Alternatively, you can take trolleybus number 3 or buses 2, 11, or 24.

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What did you think? Have you been to Riga? Do you like street art? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.

Author: Anita Sane

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