Laima Clock Explained

Monument Name:Laima Clock
Native Name:Laimas pulkstenis
Location:The street Brīvības bulvāris
Complete:1924
Coordinates:56.9505°N 24.112°W

The Laima Clock (Latvian: Laimas pulkstenis) is a landmark in central Riga, Latvia. Its location between the Old Town and the Centre commercial district has made it a landmark of the city.[1]

History

The clock was completed in 1924 and initially was called the Big Clock (Lielais pulkstenis), but began to carry the name of the Laima confectionery company in 1936.[2] During the Latvia SSR it was used as a political information stand.[1] In 1999 the Laima Clock was fully reconstructed and its original design restored.[1] [2] On December 12, 2012, at 12:00 the clock rang for the first time since its installation.[3]

Beginning from November 27, 2017, the clock was reconstructed again. The new style clock designed by Arvis Sproģis was unveiled on December 29, 2017. The reconstruction cost a total of 106,000 euros and was covered by Orkla Group as a gift for 100th Anniversary of the Latvian Republic.[2]

In 2012, construction of another Laima-branded clock was completed in Sigulda.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Laima Clock. Cita Riga. October 18, 2017.
  2. News: Reconstruction of Laima clock in Riga commences. November 27, 2017. Baltic News Network. September 19, 2018.
  3. News: Laima clocks rang for the first time ever. December 12, 2012. Baltic News Network. October 18, 2017.
  4. https://tourism.sigulda.lv/en/objects/what-to-see/culture-arts-and-crafts/urban-environment-objects-and-sculptures/station-square-and-laima-clock/