Estonian War Museum opens exhibition on 1924 Communist Coup Attempt

Text Ingel Kink
Photo Timo Huttunen

The Estonian War Museum in Viimsi has opened a new exhibition, commemorating the events of December 1, 1924, when communist forces attempted to seize control of Estonia. The exhibition, titled “Communist Coup Attempt in Estonia – December 1, 1924,” opened on Friday, November 29, and takes visitors back to a pivotal moment in Estonian history.

The coup began in the early hours of December 1, 1924, when communist forces, with the support of the Soviet Union, attacked the Tondi Military School in Tallinn. The objective was to capture strategic locations across the country and bring in Soviet forces. However, Estonian security forces were able to repel the attackers within hours. The violent attempt resulted in the deaths of 26 Estonian soldiers and civilians.

Hellar Lill, Director of the Estonian War Museum, explained that the exhibition aims to remember the events and honour the fallen. “We have designed this as a travelling exhibition to give as many people as possible the chance to reflect on the day when Estonia’s independence was at risk,” Lill said.

The exhibition will be on display at the Estonian War Museum in Viimsi until mid-January 2025. After that, it will begin its journey around Estonia, with the first stop at Rapla State Gymnasium from January 15 to February 20, 2025. The exhibition will continue its tour to various schools and museums across the country until the end of 2025.

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1924 Communist Coup Attempt Estonian history Estonian Independence Estonian War Museum Soviet Union and Estonia Tondi Military School Viimsi