Lidojums pār pilsētu

Flight over the City rises in Riga as an aluminium seagull perched on a granite column about three metres high. Genādijs Stepanovs created the sculpture with architect Jānis Krastiņš. Unveiled in 2005, it stands among Riga’s public artworks.

The seagull honours outstanding people connected with Riga while holding the city’s wider story in view. Its themes include history, ethnic communities, changing population, geography and ecology. The form enlarges Riga’s annual award into a monument visible in everyday urban space. Aluminium gives the bird a light, weather-resistant surface, while granite anchors its airborne shape.

Riga’s position beside the Daugava and near the Baltic Sea gives the seagull a fitting setting. Its raised silhouette suggests freedom, travel and a connection between land and water. The sculpture also reflects cooperation between local civic and cultural organisations, including the city council and the Science Academy. From ground level, the small bird becomes a clear landmark above the city.