On February 18, our group of five took a winter day trip to Tallinn. The temperature ranged between -3°C and -8°C, and the light snowfall added to the charm of the city.
Our main destination was the Estonian Museum of Architecture, located in the historic Rotermann Quarter in an old salt warehouse. This limestone and brick building, completed in 1908, was originally designed as Tallinn’s commercial salt storage. Its thick walls and sturdy structure were essential to protect the valuable salt from moisture.
Although the building was originally industrial in purpose, its architecture is a fascinating blend of functionality and decorative details. In the early 20th century, the salt warehouse was part of a larger Rotermann industrial complex.
During the Soviet era, the building was used for various storage purposes, but in the 1990s, it was saved from demolition and restored for museum use. Opened in 1996, the Estonian Museum of Architecture has preserved the original industrial atmosphere beautifully: solid arches, red brick pillars, and spacious interiors make it a perfect setting for showcasing architecture.
The permanent exhibition, "Space in Motion: A Century of Estonian Architecture," takes visitors on a century-long journey through Estonian architecture. The exhibition presents the development of architecture from the rise of modernism and Soviet-era mass construction to contemporary innovations in sustainable design. On display are old architectural drawings, scale models, and digital presentations illustrating how building culture has evolved in response to political and societal changes. Especially notable is the post-independence period of Estonian architecture, which reflects a newfound boldness and search for identity.
"Architect’s Gaze: Bringing the West Home" examined how Western influences—particularly Finnish ones—have shaped Estonian architecture over different eras.
On the mezzanine level, there was a fascinating photography exhibition depicting the transformation of Tallinn’s cityscape from 1998 to 2022, while the basement housed an interactive exhibition that encouraged visitors to experience architecture in a physical and immersive way.
Before heading back, we stopped for coffee in the Rotermann Quarter. This historic industrial area, located between Tallinn’s Old Town, the harbor, and Viru Square, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The old factory buildings and warehouses have been stylishly repurposed into cafés, restaurants, and boutiques that blend industrial aesthetics with modern design.
All in all, I highly recommend the Estonian Museum of Architecture, just a short walk from the harbor, to all architecture enthusiasts!
