Two Estonian Museums Nominated as Europe’s Best

Text Timo Raussi
Photo Meeli Küttim, Visit Estonia

According to the recently announced list of finalists, the Tartu City Museum and the MiiaMilla Children’s Museum in Tallinn have been nominated for the 2026 European Museum of the Year Award. A total of 35 museums from different countries are competing for the recognition administered by the European Museum Forum under the Council of Europe. The winner will be announced in June.

The Tartu City Museum has been nominated with its permanent exhibition “Our Tartu”, which will remain on display to the public until the end of 2027. The exhibition tells stories of city residents, and vividly presents the character of Tartu’s different districts through 17 themed corners or rooms. In 2024, the exhibition earned the museum the title of Best Museum in Estonia as well as the Community’s Friend award.

“Being nominated is above all recognition for Tartu and our citizens,” says Risto Lehiste, Director of the Tartu City Museum. “Even more important, in my view, is that we will be able to attend the final event in person, and present our work to other European museums. We will bring with us the thoughts, messages, and dreams that the people of Tartu shared with us for the exhibition.”

The permanent exhibition of the MiiaMilla Children’s Museum, located in Tallinn’s Kadriorg Park, consists of museum objects and more than 100 toys, donated rocking horses, and other items that visitors are allowed to touch and play with. The museum’s themed rooms also include objects designed with children.

“The Children’s Museum is built to listen to children’s ideas. We have created a world where adults are encouraged to slow down to a child’s pace and be truly present on their terms,” explains the museum’s director, Jane Meremaa-Roos.

The European Museum of the Year Awards have been presented since 1977. Estonia and Finland have each received the main award once. In 2008, the winner was the Kumu Art Museum in Tallinn, and last year it was awarded to the Sámi Museum Siida in Inari, Finland. In the subcategories, Tallinn’s Kalamaja Museum received a community engagement recognition last year. In 2018, the Estonian National Museum, or ERM, in Tartu received a special commendation for professional integrity and courage.

To learn more about this and similar topics
European Museum of the Year MiiaMilla Children’s Museum museum award Museums Tallinn Tartu Tartu City Museum