The Freedom Monument (located in the centre of Riga) is an outstanding example of the synthesis of sculpture and architecture and the most important symbol of the independence and freedom of the Latvian state and Latvian people, built with popular donations. The monument was unveiled on 18 November 1935. Ernests Štālbergs (1883–1958) developed the architectural design of the monument and led its construction, while the sculptors Mārtiņš Šmalcs and Nikolajs Rambaks, stonemasons Viktors Koļesņikovs, Alfrēds Rullis, Eduards Jākobsons and others participated in the production of the sculptural elements based on Zāle’s designs. The sculpture at the top of the monument was made in the workshop of the Swedish sculptor Ragnar Myrsmeden in Stockholm, with the participation of the metal artists Arnolds Naiks and Jānis Zibens. Thanks to the work of people in the culture sector, the Freedom Monument was preserved during the Soviet occupation.
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