Linnahall to Open Its Doors

Text Stewart Johnson

Photo Andrei Chertkov

A 90-minute guided tour of Linnahall in English will take place in the coming weekl. This is a rare, unique opportunity to see the inside of the legendary building in downtown Tallinn. The structure is unique in the world both for its size, and according to many, how ugly it is.

Linnahall is part of a group of buildings constructed in Tallinn to host the sailing regatta events of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Its imposing architectural design dates back to 1976, by architects Raine Karp, Riina Altmäe, and Ülo Sirp. The giant structure occupies prime real estate along the coast of the city, and what to do with it remains controversial 45 years after its completion.

Its doors have been closed for years, opening only briefly in 2019 to film a scene in Christopher Nolan’s film “Tenet”, which served as the setting for the Kyiv Opera House. Tragedy almost struck a couple years later when Estonian artist NOËP was giving a concert next to Linnahall, and hundreds of eager fans crossed fences to climb onto the roof to get a better view, causing the roof to buckle and warp.

As imposing as Linnahall is, it was still built during the Soviet occupation, which generally means it is in severe need of major repairs. The estimates to restore this behemoth reach well into the billions of euros, something city leaders are loath to fund. Even demolition would be extremely costly. And yet it’s a popular tourist destination on the outside. This week people will get a chance to visit the inside of it as well, and learn about its full history.

Tours in English will take place on 20 April, 24 April, and 26 April, and tickets are available here.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Architecture Events in Tallinn Guided Tour Linnahall Olympics