Eesti Arhitektuurimuuseum

About the museum

The Estonian Architecture Museum was established on 1 January 1991 to document, preserve and present the history of Estonian architecture and its development today. Its initiators were Krista Kodres, Mart Kalm and Karin Hallas-Murula. Since 2024 the museum has operated as a foundation.

Since 1996 the museum has been housed in the Rotermann salt storehouse, completed in 1908 to a design by the Baltic German engineer Ernst Boustedt. It is one of the most outstanding surviving examples of industrial architecture in Tallinn. The storehouse was reconstructed in 1995–1996 to designs by architect Ülo Peil and interior architect Taso Mähar. Originally a single-storey building, it became a multi-storey space with intermediate floors and galleries, offering exhibition areas of various kinds.

The museum has an extensive archive of drawings and projects from the 1920s–1930s and the Soviet period, a photo collection and a constantly growing collection of models. Many of the models are on display in the permanent exhibition “Elav ruum. Sajand Eesti arhitektuuri”. The museum is a member of ICAM, the international network of architecture museums.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Elav ruum. Sajand Eesti arhitektuuri” with architectural models and a timeline
• Permanent exhibition for children and young people “Uuri Ruumi” in the vaulted cellar of the storehouse (Suur Muuseumirott 2019 for best permanent exhibition)
• Rotermann salt storehouse, an example of industrial architecture completed in 1908
• Unrealised projects and visions presented as models

Permanent exhibitions

• Elav ruum. Sajand Eesti arhitektuuri – The permanent exhibition presents the development of Estonian professional architecture and spatial culture in the 20th century and today. Its central medium is models, grouped into thematic blocks (culture, society, the city, the home, leisure and fantasy). There is also a timeline and a display of unrealised projects and visions.
• Uuri Ruumi – The educational permanent exhibition in the vaulted cellar of the storehouse helps children and young people experience space and grasp the essence of architecture. The exhibition includes the installation “Reflexio” with a mirror floor, a forest of ribbons, pipes to crawl through, and an animated book.

Founded

1991

Operated by

SA Eesti Arhitektuurimuuseum

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On 2 January (the museum’s birthday) and 18 May (International Museum Day) admission is free.

The museum card is valid. On presentation of a document, members of ICOM, ICOMOS and ICAM, journalists, holders of the Cultour Card, persons who were repressed, Ukrainian war refugees, accompanying teachers of a school group, holders of the Tallinn Card, and students of several art and architecture schools also enter free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A ramp leads to the main entrance at the Mere puiestee end of the Rotermann salt storehouse. The basement level, the first floor and the large hall on the second floor can be reached by wheelchair, and a lift connects the floors, with floor numbers marked in Braille. The gallery hall can be reached by wheelchair only by prior arrangement. The museum’s accessibility is described in an audio description.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The permanent exhibition “Uuri Ruumi” in the vaulted cellar is designed for children and young people and offers experiences for different senses. In front of the museum, at basement level, there is an outdoor area with swings. Pushchairs can enter by the ramp. The museum organises children’s birthday parties.

Getting there & parking

The museum is within walking distance of the Old Town, the Rotermann quarter and the harbour. There is a bicycle parking area in front of the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

The museum has a shop and a cloakroom.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 180 guests.

Seminar room (60 places) and classroom (20 places) on the first floor, the second-floor hall (180 people, 480 m²) and the vaulted cellar hall for standing events. Information and bookings: +372 625 7000, info@arhitektuurimuuseum.ee.

Plan your visit