After extensive preparatory work, the next critical phase in the restoration of Wagner Theatre in Riga has begun: the reinforcement of the building’s foundations.

In July of this year, the Riga Richard Wagner Society (RRWS) reported that during plaster removal, it was discovered that the building’s structural condition was worse than initially anticipated. A series of solutions were developed and implemented to address the most critical issues and strengthen the structure prior to foundation reinforcement. In mid-October, the Polish company KELLER began work at the Wagner Theatre construction site, installing the first foundation-strengthening piles at a depth of 16 meters.

The foundation reinforcement is being carried out using a deep soil stabilization method, where the soil is mixed with a cement slurry. This is the most gentle method for foundation reinforcement, as it avoids vibrations and minimizes the risk of soil settlement. However, the process is time-consuming and complex due to the historic architecture and muddy soil near the Rīdzene River’s bed. The work is planned in two stages: first, reinforcing the foundations in the section of the building closer to Wagner Street, and then casting a new load-bearing shell for the opera hall’s volume. After this, the foundations of the opera hall section can also be reinforced.

The renovation of Wagner Theatre promises significant benefits, not only enhancing the variety and accessibility of cultural events for the people of Latvia, but also strengthening Riga and Latvia’s reputation as a cultural hub with ties to Richard Wagner, who served as Kapellmeister here from 1837 to 1839. The project will not only restore the building and theatre hall but will also establish masterclasses and a Richard Wagner museum. Wagner Theatre will embody Wagner’s vision of “GesamtkunstWerk21” – an incubator for all art forms, set to become an international center for young artists that meets the needs of the 21st century.

The main contractor for the project is “SBSC un 3A,” with principal design led by “Sarma un Norde Arhitekti”, while engineering and construction supervision are handled by “Būves un Būvsistēmas”. “Zaigas Gailes birojs” has been engaged as a subcontractor for architectural and interior design. International experts have also been brought on board: Theater Advies from the Netherlands is developing theatre technology solutions, while Nagata Acoustics, led by Yasuhisa Toyota, is consulting on theatre acoustics. Toyota’s firm has contributed to the design of renowned venues like the Elbphilharmonie and the Philharmonie de Paris.

The project, “Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions at Riga Wagner Theatre,” located at 4 Riharda Wagner Street, Riga, LV-1050, is supported by the Emission Trading Instrument, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German Embassy in Riga, Riga City Council, building materials and cement manufacturer SCHWENK, as well as Richard Wagner Societies in Germany and private donations.