A glass-faced building on the Daugava bank, with reflections in the river and a view back to the Old Town.
The National Library of Latvia, known as the Castle of Light (Gaismas pils), stands at Mūkusalas iela 3 on the left bank of the Daugava River in Pārdaugava, Riga, Latvia. The glass-faced building, designed by the Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts and opened in 2014, has a faceted form that rises from the riverbank. Its glass surfaces reflect the sky and river, and the site offers a view across the water back to the Old Town spires.
There are two main frames. The first is the building itself, shot from the river embankment or the approach paths, using a wide-angle lens of 16-35mm to capture its sloping glass form against the sky. The second is the view from the library grounds across the Daugava to the Old Town, where the spires of St Peter's and the cathedral appear above the river. A telephoto of 70-200mm isolates the skyline, and a wide lens includes the water and reflections.
Blue hour is the best time. After sunset, the building's interior lights glow through the glass, the sky turns deep blue, and the river reflects both the library and the Old Town lights. A tripod with exposures of 5-30 seconds smooths the water and captures reflections. Golden hour is also effective, as the setting sun lights the glass and tints the facade; the Old Town lies east of the site, so the setting sun lights the skyline from behind the photographer. Overcast days reduce reflections and give a flatter glass surface.
The site is open year-round. Crowds are modest compared with the Old Town, and the grounds have space for a tripod. Winter days offer clear air and early blue hour, while summer evenings are late. The exterior can be photographed freely from public paths; interior access and photography rules are set by the library. Wind from the river can shake a tripod. Drone flying near the library and the river is limited by Latvian aviation rules and controlled airspace, so operators should verify current restrictions. Restrooms are available inside the library during opening hours.
| Best time | Blue hour |
|---|---|
| Best season | Year-round |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Mūkusalas iela 3, Riga, LV-1423, Latvia |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm), Standard zoom (24-70mm), Tripod for blue hour
Location
Mūkusalas iela 3, Riga, LV-1423, Latvia
56.9419, 24.0993 View on map
Highlights
- Faceted glass building reflecting the sky and river
- View across the Daugava to the Old Town spires
- Blue hour with glowing interior lights
- Long-exposure reflections in the river
Tips for visiting
- Use a 16-35mm lens for the building and a 70-200mm lens for the skyline.
- Use a tripod with 5-30 second exposures at blue hour.
- A polariser can reduce glare on the glass at golden hour.
- Bring a sturdy tripod; wind off the river can shake light models.
- Check library opening hours for restroom access.
When to visit
Blue hour year-round; golden hour for warm light on the glass.
Accessibility
The grounds and approach paths are paved and reachable without a hike. The library entrance is step-free.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the building?
Gunnar Birkerts designed it, and it opened in 2014 on the left bank of the Daugava.
When is the best time to photograph it?
Blue hour, when the interior lights glow and the river reflects the building and the Old Town.
Is a tripod allowed outside?
The public grounds have space for a tripod, and exterior photography is free.