Tallinn's Cultural Renaissance: Art, Design, and Architecture in Estonia
Since regaining independence in 1991, Estonia, which has a population of 1.3 million, is undergoing a cultural and digital revival. Tallinn, the capital, merges its medieval roots with cutting-edge technology, being the birthplace of Skype and a leader in European e-government. In 2017, Estonia not only celebrated ten years in the Schengen Area but also held the EU Council's rotating presidency. A retrospective of the artist Konrad Mägi (1878–1925) was showcased by Italy at the Galleria Nazionale di Roma from October 10 to January 28. Additionally, the 12th Tallinn Design Festival (running until October 1) and the 3rd Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB 2017, until October 27) featured diverse artists and themes. The economy is steadily growing, with tourism on the rise and unemployment slightly above 5%.
Key facts
- Estonia regained independence in 1991 after Soviet occupation from 1944.
- Tallinn is mentioned in historical records from 1154.
- Estonia has the highest startup density per capita and is Europe's leader in e-government.
- The Once Only Law (2007) prevents the state from requesting documents already held by public administration.
- In 2017, Estonia held the presidency of the Council of the EU and celebrated 10 years in Schengen.
- Konrad Mägi retrospective at Galleria Nazionale di Roma runs October 10 to January 28, curated by Eero Epner.
- The Tallinn Design Festival 2017 was held at the Noblessner factory until October 1.
- TAB 2017, curated by Claudia Pasquero, focused on bio-digital architecture under theme bioTallinn.
- Zaha Hadid Architects won the Master Plan 2030 competition for Tallinn's port area.
- The Köler Prize is the main award for young Estonian artists, organized by EKKM.
- Kumu Art Museum comprises five venues including Kadriorg Palace and Niguliste Museum.
- A major Michel Sittow exhibition is planned for June 2018 at Kumu, with National Gallery of Washington.
- Estonia's unemployment rate is just above 5%.
Entities
Artists
- Konrad Mägi
- Arvo Pärt
- Jaanus Samma
- Simo Heikkilä
- Toivo Raidmets
- Lotte Dowes
- Raili Keiv
- Claudia Pasquero
- Marco Poletto
- Eero Epner
- Marten Esko
- Johannes Säre
- Pekka Vapaavuori
- Michel Sittow
- Johannes Mikkel
- Adamson-Eric
- Hermen Rode
- Bernt Notke
- Orm Oja
- Tõnis Siigur
- Cristiana Collu
- Lucy Bullivant
- Bart Lootsma
- Areti Markopoulou
- Mitchell Joachim
- Rachel Armstrong
- Heather Barnett
- Matias del Campo
- Sille Pihlak
- Siim Tuksam
- Indro Montanelli
- Eugenio Viola
- Enn Kunila
- Michael Thomson
- Jak Spencer
- Zaha Hadid
Institutions
- Kultuuri Katel (Tallinn Creative Hub)
- Galleria Nazionale di Roma
- Museo Novecento (Florence)
- Tallinn Design Festival
- Noblessner factory
- Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB)
- Estonian Museum of Architecture
- Zaha Hadid Architects
- Temnikova & Kasela
- EKKM – Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia
- Kumu Art Museum
- Kadriorg Palace
- Mikkeli Museum
- Adamson-Eric Museum
- Niguliste Museum
- National Gallery of Washington
- PART – Practice for Architecture, Research and Theory
- ecoLogicStudio
- Noa (restaurant)
- Artribune
- Il Sole 24 Ore
- Skype
Locations
- Estonia
- Tallinn
- Finland
- Italy
- Rome
- Florence
- Venice
- Capri
- Paljassaare peninsula
- Baltic Sea
- Kadriorg Park
- Noblessner
- Salerno
- Antwerp
- Lübeck
- Washington D.C.