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]