The reconstruction follows the design of architect Gunārs Birkerts, who also authored the design of the National Library of Latvia, situated on the opposite bank of River Daugava.
The ceremony was attended by Latvian ministers and luminaries, notably Culture Minister Dace Melbārde. The reconstruction project, worth €5.2, is to be finished within 12 months.
In 2001, the architect Birkerts gave the museum the so-called House of the Future project that would see a white annex added to the building, contrasting the allegedly bright future of Latvia with the black concrete building representing the past.
The annex will add more exhibition space, as well as space for the museum collection and for the employees to work in.
(Photo: Gunārs Birkerts showcasing the design.)
The annex will be built by Skonto būve, which is to rebuild the museum within 12 months for about €5.2 million.
