New and ongoing exhibitions in Estonia

There are 170 museums in Estonia.

Many museums feature a constant rotation of temporary exhibitions alongside their permanent ones, making a trip to the museum a great way to immerse yourself in Estonian culture and history.

In this article, we provide a sampling of some of the "star exhibitions" and tips for planning your museum visits while you're in Estonia. 

Insider tip #1

If you plan on visiting several exhibitions in Estonia during your stay, invest in a Museum Card. Valid for 12 months from the date it's first used, this card gives you access to over 100 museums around the country.

More intriguing exhibitions in Tallinn

24 April to 23 November 2025: Estonian History Museum at Maarjamäe Palace – "Everlasting Summer!"

After extensive renovations, Maarjamäe Palace opened its doors to its attractive summer hall with the "Everlasting Summer" exhibition, where visitors can travel back in time to the end of the 19th century. That's when Maarjamäe Palace belonged to Count Anatoly Orlov-Davydov, who had a permanent residence in St. Petersburg and used the beautiful seaside residence at Maarjamäe as a summer retreat. 

10 October 2025 to 15 February 2026: Fotografiska – "Emilia Bergmark-Jiménez: To Be Born and to Give Birth"

Swedish photographer Emilia Bergmark-Jiménez spent more than three years documenting birth and the process of giving birth. Accompanying texts by the artist evoke her memories, questions, and reflections, guiding viewers through the stages of life and the beginning of parenthood. 

26 April 2024 to 30 April 2026: Kalamaja Museum – "Magical Realism of Kopli"

The atmosphere and history of the Kopli district come alive with artistic displays and historical photographs depicting everyday life and the area's unique identity. In May 2024, Kalamaja Museum received the Silletto Award of the European Museum of the Year Award, which recognises community participation and engagement.

Insider tip #2

The Visit Tallinn website has information about current exhibitions in the capital showcasing Estonia and the world's history, culture, art and science.

Top exhibitions in Tartu

5 July to 31 December 2027: "Our Tartu" — Tartu City Museum

This exhibition showcases the residents of Tartu and its districts. Through 17 chapters, it introduces visitors to the kaleidoscopic nature of this charming city and conveys the unique feeling that makes each district and the whole of Tartu special. Each district has its own theme, and local residents share stories about their neighborhoods.

Insider tip #4

One Saturday evening in May each year, museums and other memory institutions in Estonia open their doors later than usual, at a symbolic price or even for free, to celebrate the pan-European Museum Night. It's a popular event on the Estonian cultural calendar.

Insider tip #5

NOBA Art Guide is an international website that presents information about contemporary art exhibitions in different parts of Estonia. The website has a map and a city menu, which you can use to explore the exhibitions. 

Discover more exhibitions around Estonia

Best Estonian museum exhibition of 2024

The exhibition "If So Reclined: Luxury and Simplicity in Estonian Furniture History from the 1400s to the Early 1900s" at Rakvere's Rehbinder House Museum won the award for best museum exhibition in 2024.
 
An early classicist upper-class residence in the centre of Rakvere – Count Gustav Dietrich von Rehbinder’s house – was renovated between 2020 and 2023. Now, an exhibition on the history of furniture is housed there.

The museum exhibits the most valuable items from the furniture collection of the Virumaa Museums, but you can see pieces from at least 15 different museums or collectors. Some items that will be on display have not been seen in Estonia for over 50 years.

The exhibition of Estonian furniture history is structured chronologically, starting with items dating back to the 15th century and proceeding through to pieces produced by the famous Luther factory.

From 19 September 2024: "The Layered Narva" — Narva Castle

The exhibition will tell the stories of its residents through biographical fragments and unique exhibits, including the personal belongings of pre-war residents of Narva.

Until 31 December 2025: "The Islanders of the Middle Ages" — Kuressaare Episcopal Castle

This exhibition places the viewer face-to-face with persons from the past. The entire exhibition is bound together by a belt chain running through different themes, a piece of jewelry unique to a medieval Saaremaa woman. You can see finds preserved in the ground and learn more about the medieval inhabitants of Saaremaa.

Permanent exhibition of Voldemar Luht's wooden horses at Olustvere Manor

The stables of Olustvere Manor host an exhibition of about 150 miniature wooden sculptures of horses and people made by local craftsman Voldemar Luht, a horse breeder who immortalized his favourite animals in the wood.