The 20 of august 1919 saw the establishment of two academies of the fine arts, as then Prime Minister Kārlis Ulmanis appointed professor Jāzeps Vītols to head the Latvian Conservatoire, before elevating the painter and academician Vilhelms Purvītis to chair the Academy of Art. A curious twist of fortume later endowed the Conservatoire with the building at Kr.Barona street1. Having been renamed the J. Vītols Latvian Music Academy in 1991, the conservatoire today primarily specializes in musicianship, pedagogy, musicology , acoustic design and research, educating approximately 600 students, of both Latvian and international origin. Wheelchair entry impossible from K.Barona street, as a staircase blocks it off completely. However, the side door from Merķela street, walking along the Latvian Society building, IS accessible, though nowhere indicated. The building has wide corridors, an elevator, as well as a toilet for invalids. Assistance in entry can be requested by dialing the number displayed outside on the main door. Parking lot for invalids located in the back yard.