Embassy of Latvia in Washington, D.C.

The Embassy of Latvia (historically known as the Alice Pike Barney Studio House or Studio House) in Washington, D.C., is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Latvia to the United States. It is located at 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW on Embassy Row in the Sheridan-Kalorama neighborhood.[2]

Studio House
Location2306 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C.
Coordinates38°54′42.6″N 77°3′3.99″W
Built1902
ArchitectWaddy Butler Wood
Architectural styleSpanish Colonial Revival, Arts and Crafts
NRHP reference No.95000528
Added to NRHPApril 27, 1995[1]

The current ambassador is Māris Selga.[3]

Building history

Alice Pike Barney Studio House

Designed by Waddy Butler Wood in 1902, the former studio house of Alice Pike Barney is an example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.[4] It was used by Barney until her death and her daughters Natalie Barney and Laura Dreyfus-Barney held the house until 1961.[5]

Smithsonian Institution

In 1961 the Barney women donated the house to the Smithsonian Institution. In 1976 it was opened as part of the National Museum of American Art to be used as a house museum. After more than 14 years the building had succumbed to significant structural damage. Since it would cost more than $2 million to renovate the house, the building was closed and the building and its furnishings were put up for sale.[5]

The Friends of Alice Pike Barney Studio House was incorporated in 1993 to buy the house and pay for its renovations. Alice Pike Barney: Her Life and Art, written by curator of the house, Jean L. Kling was the subject of a book party to raise funds in 1994. The same year, the association attempted a working relationship with the Smithsonian Institution to preserve the building. Unable to raise sufficient funds, the house was listed for sale by the Smithsonian Institution in 1999 and the following years attempts to have the building zones for use as a School of Arts. Its ownership was passed to the Latvian government in 2001, with the intention of hosting events in memory of Alice Pike Barney and her art.[5]

Embassy of Latvia

The renovated house is used as a residence for the Latvian ambassador and an embassy.[5]

National Register of Historic Places
Main article: National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington, D.C.

In addition to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is a contributing property to the 'Sheridan-Kalorama Historic District' and Massachusetts Avenue Historic District.[4]

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. The Embassy of Latvia. Embassy. Retrieved on 2014-03-10.
  3. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia: Staff". Mfa.gov.lv. Retrieved 2019-11-25.
  4. Alice Pike Barney Studio House Registration Form. National Register of Historic Places. April 27, 1995. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
  5. Friends of Alice Pike Barney Studio House. National Museum of Woman in the Arts. Retrieved March 9, 2014. pp. 2-3
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