The dominant architectural landmark of Daugavpils’ historical centre is the Unity House (22a Rīgas Street), built during the years of the First Latvian Republic. The idea for its construction was initiated by the President of Latvia, Kārlis Ulmanis, and the building was funded through public donations and state support. The cornerstone was laid in 1936, and the building was officially opened on 19 December 1937.
Unity House was designed by architect Verners Vitands. At that time, it was considered one of the most modern multifunctional buildings in Europe, housing the Daugavpils Theatre, the Latvian Society, a library, and various community organisations. The architectural design combines classical elements with the principles of functionalism, reflecting the aesthetic ideals of that era.
UNITY HOUSE TODAY
The building of Unity House is home to several important cultural institutions: the Daugavpils Theatre, the House of Traditions, the Latgale Culinary Heritage Centre “Šmakovka”, and the Daugavpils Tourist Service Centre. Unity House also hosts the Latgale Central Library, which offers visitors a wide range of services, as well as the American Information Centre and the Family Digital Activity Hub.
The building additionally includes a café and a bank, providing convenience for both residents and visitors of the city.
Unity House is managed by the municipal institution “Vienības nams”. It is the organiser of numerous events, including international ones, as well as various cultural projects. The institution preserves and maintains the Latvian cultural environment. Unity House organises national and city celebrations, annual traditional festivities, concerts, educational and entertainment events. One of its priorities is the research, promotion, and maintenance of the building in its historical form.
Unity House — the spiritual and cultural heart of Daugavpils — continues to fulfil its historical mission, uniting the city’s multicultural community and enriching its cultural life.
On 17 November 2011, a memorial plaque dedicated to Andrejs Švirksts (1897–1955) — a Latvian public figure and politician, Mayor of Daugavpils (1938–1940), and Chairman of the Daugavpils Latvian Society — was unveiled on the wall of Unity House. The plaque was created by sculptor Ivo Folkmanis.