Fotomuuseum

About the museum

The Fotomuuseum (Photography Museum) operates in the Old Town behind Raekoja plats, in the former Raevangla (Town Prison) building at Raekoja 6 and in the warden’s house at Raekoja 4. The history of the Raevangla goes back to the first half of the 14th century; the building was thoroughly rebuilt in 1441–1442. Its cellar and first floor contained two narrow vaulted cells. The prison was closely linked to the town hall, where the town court operated; in the 18th century the old building became a shelter for vagrants and beggars, and in 1832 it was sold into private ownership.

The buildings were joined to the Tallinna Linnamuuseum (Tallinn City Museum) in 1980, and an exhibition on the history of Estonian photography was set up in their rooms. The Fotomuuseum was therefore established in 1980. The museum also holds the Tallinn City Museum’s extensive collection of historical photographs.

The permanent exhibition gives an overview of the history of Estonian photography from the 1840s to the early 20th century, from daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and ferrotypes to the works of well-known masters such as Charles Borchardt, Bernhard Lais and Heinrich Tiidermann. A separate exhibition “Fotograaf” (The Photographer) presents a group portrait of Estonian photographers. The museum has a genuine darkroom for experimenting with analogue photography, and regular workshops, courses, lectures and family days take place. Each year the exhibitions focus on a particular theme.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the history of Estonian photography from the 1840s to the early 20th century
• Exhibition “Fotograaf” (The Photographer) – a group portrait of Estonian photographers
• Display of cameras, including the Minox invented in Tallinn
• Darkroom for practising analogue photography, plus workshops and courses
• Medieval Raevangla building with vaulted halls, an inner courtyard and changing photo exhibitions

Permanent exhibitions

• Fotograaf – The exhibition presents a group portrait of Estonian photographers: the photographer together with the camera and surroundings, from the mid-19th century to the present day, and gives an overview of the development of cameras in the 20th century.
• Eesti fotograafia ajalugu 1840. aastatest 20. sajandi alguseni – The permanent exhibition begins with daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and ferrotypes, and introduces well-known Estonian photographers, early 20th-century studio and darkroom equipment, and the Minox invented in Tallinn.

Founded

1980

Operated by

Tallinna Linnamuuseum

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month (pre-registration required); on International Museum Day, 18 May, admission is free for everyone.

The Fotomuuseum ticket is also valid at the Seek gallery (Väike-Pääsukese 5) of the Fotomuuseum, and vice versa. On Tallinn Day (15 May), Children’s Day (1 June) and during Museum Night admission costs €1. Free admission on presentation of a document applies to, among others, holders of the TallinnCard and Museum Card, journalists performing their duties, Ukrainian war refugees and victims of repression; free admission does not cover tours, workshops, lectures or other paid events.

Accessibility

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

The museum may be visited with a guide dog. The building is medieval and spread over several levels.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum organises workshops, courses and family days; the family ticket applies to up to two adults and their children up to and including 19 years old.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Old Town behind Raekoja plats, in the former Raevangla building.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit