Director of the Art Museum RIGA BOURSE Daiga Upeniece Receives Prestigious Spanish State Award

On April 22, Daiga Upeniece, Director of the Art Museum RIGA BOURSE, was awarded the Real Orden de Isabel la Católica, a distinguished honor bestowed by the Kingdom of Spain.

The award was presented during a formal ceremony held at the Embassy of Spain in Latvia. His Excellency Manuel Alhama Orenes, Ambassador of Spain to Latvia, conferred the award upon Ms. Upeniece. The event was also attended by Agnese Lāce, Minister for Culture of the Republic of Latvia.

This prestigious recognition honors Daiga Upeniece’s outstanding contribution to the promotion of Spanish culture in Latvia. Colleagues from the museum and noted arts patron Ināra Tetereva, a supporter of numerous cultural initiatives, were also present at the ceremony.

Under Upeniece’s leadership, the Art Museum RIGA BOURSE has realized several significant Spanish art projects. These include the exhibitions 12 Characters from the Prado Collection (2017) and Late Renaissance masterpiece from the collection of the Museo Nacional del Prado (2024/25), both in collaboration with the Prado Museum, as well as España Blanca y Negra: Vision of Spain from Fortuny to Picasso (2024), featuring works from 15 Spanish museums and private collections.

Warm congratulations to Daiga Upeniece on this well-deserved recognition—we are proud of your achievements!