The Cat House (Kaķu nams) is an Art Nouveau corner building at Meistaru iela 10/12 in the Old Town (Vecrīga) of Riga, Latvia, completed in 1909 to a design by architect Friedrich Scheffel in a medieval-revival style. It is known for the two black cat sculptures on its roof turrets, tails raised and backsides turned toward the neighboring Great Guild. Travelers come for one of Riga’s best-loved architectural legends and a photogenic stop on Livu Square.
What to Expect at Cat House
The Cat House is an exterior-focused landmark, so the visit is a walk around the corner of Meistaru iela and Mazā Ķēniņu iela rather than a ticketed tour. The facade shows the early-20th-century taste for turrets, pointed arches and heavy stonework that evokes Riga’s medieval merchant past while the city was rapidly modernizing. The building sits directly opposite the Great Guild, and the story of that rivalry is the reason most visitors look up.
According to the well-known local tale, the building’s owner, a wealthy Latvian merchant, was refused membership in the German-dominated Great Guild. In protest, he had the cats installed with their rear ends facing the guild hall. The story goes that the guild relented and admitted him as a member, and the cats were then turned around to face the other way. Today the cats are positioned with their arched backs toward the Guild building, and the tale is retold on walking tours throughout the Old Town.
- The Roof Cats: Two black cat sculptures on the tops of the turrets, tails raised, are the building’s signature feature and are best seen from the street below.
- Medieval-Revival Facade: The 1909 design blends turreted corners, arched openings and rough stone detailing typical of Riga’s romantic historicist style.
- Great Guild Rivalry: Standing between the Cat House and the Great Guild on Meistaru iela shows exactly why the cats were placed to face the guild hall.
- Livu Square Setting: The building anchors the edge of Livu Square (Līvu laukums), whose terraces and cafes make a convenient place to sit and look up at the cats.
- Night Photography: Because the facade is always accessible from the street, the cats can be photographed against the evening sky or under Old Town lighting.
Cat House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Meistaru iela 10/12, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Vecrīga (Old Town), Centra rajons |
| Operating Hours | Exterior viewable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to view from the street ($) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Old Town is largely pedestrianized; nearest tram and bus stops are around the Doma laukums and Vecrīga edge, with paid parking garages near the Old Town perimeter |
| Official Website & Phone | Vecrīga community page; no public phone line |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because the cats are on the roof, early morning or late evening gives the clearest photographs, with fewer tour groups crowding the corner of Meistaru iela. Bring a camera with a zoom lens or use your phone’s telephoto setting to capture the sculptures in detail. Riga’s Old Town is mostly traffic-calm and walkable, so most visitors arrive on foot from Doma laukums, Town Hall Square or the Freedom Monument area. Driving into the center is restricted in places, so leave the car in a perimeter garage and walk in.
The surrounding streets are cobblestoned, so wheelchair and stroller users should expect uneven paving, though the pavement near Livu Square is generally navigable. The Cat House itself is viewed from the street, so no entry steps are involved. Within a 5 to 10 minute walk you can reach Riga Cathedral on Doma laukums, the Three Brothers medieval houses on Mazā Pils iela, and the terraced restaurants of Livu Square, all making this an easy stop in a half-day Old Town loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of the Cat House, and when is the best time to visit?
The exterior can be viewed 24 hours a day because it stands on a public street. Early morning and evening offer softer light and fewer crowds around the corner of Meistaru iela.
Is there an entry fee or do I need to book?
No. Viewing the building and its cat sculptures from the street is free, and no reservation is needed. The ground-floor premises are used by local businesses, and the upper floors are not a public attraction.
How long should I spend at the Cat House?
Plan 15 to 30 minutes for photos and the guild story, or an hour if you combine it with a coffee on Livu Square and a stroll to nearby Old Town sights.
Is the Cat House accessible and family friendly?
Yes, it is a street-level viewing stop with no entry required, which suits children and visitors with limited mobility. Cobblestones in the Old Town can be bumpy for strollers and wheelchairs, so allow extra time.
When planning your Riga travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Riga, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Corner House, Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel, Riga, Grand Palace Hotel, and Latvian War Museum (0.1 km away).
