Open House Tallinn sets new visitor record
Text Mark Taylor Photos Kadri Vahersalu, Evert Palmets, Michael Isaiah Kennedy
The sixth edition of Open House Tallinn, held on the weekend of October 12 to 13, saw a record-breaking attendance of over 9,200 visitors. The annual event, which offers the unique opportunity to explore buildings typically closed to the public, featured more than 40 structures this year.
The event, known for its celebration of Tallinn’s architectural heritage, showcased a diverse array of spaces, including historical landmarks, modern office buildings, and newly opened facilities. According to event producer Aleksander Tali, “This year’s visitor numbers are truly exceptional. We expanded the programme, and the weather was perfect for walking tours and explorations.” Tali also noted that the most popular venues included the Nõmme Grain Elevator, Kadriorg Orangery, and the enchanting Okasroosikese Castle, all drawing significant interest. Additionally, the Academy of Sciences building, another highlight of the programme, saw so much demand that not all visitors were able to enter.
Several buildings made their debut on the programme this year, such as Swissôtel, Volta Villa, the Tondi residential and business quarter, and the Nõmme Grain Elevator. In contrast, some buildings—due to their ongoing popularity—were featured once again, including Kadriorg Park’s Orangery, the wing of Kadriorg Palace, and the President’s bunker. Other notable returning buildings included the Estonian Maritime Academy, the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), and the Pelgulinna State Gymnasium. Tali remarked that next year’s programme will include a mix of returning favourites and new additions: “We will definitely look at including fresh locations, as well as those that had high demand this year.”
The tours were conducted in four languages: Estonian, English, Russian, and for the first time, Estonian Sign Language. In an important step towards inclusivity, this year also saw the introduction of a sensory tour designed specifically for the visually impaired.
The next edition of Open House Tallinn is scheduled for October 11 to 12, 2025.
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