29.9.2024 | Culture

Unicorns in the Magical Forest at Niguliste Museum

Text Susanna Poikela
Photos National Historical Museums of Sweden – the Royal Armoury, 
Art Museum of Estonia, Estonian History Museum,
National Historical Museums of Sweden – Swedish History Museum,
University of Tartu Library, Tallinn City Museum

Saddle of Gustav Vasa, King of Sweden. Augsburg work. Detail. Ca 1540. National Historical Museums of Sweden – the Royal Armoury

The exhibition Ükssarvik võlumetsas (Unicorn in the Magical Forest) opened at the Niguliste Museum in Tallinn on September 7. It delves into the significance of unicorns throughout history, showcasing their representation in art and artefacts from the 16th to the 20th century. The unicorn, a mystical creature, is now primarily associated with fantasy and pop culture. However, just a few centuries ago, people genuinely believed in their existence.

The exhibition predominantly features artefacts from the Swedish Royal Treasury and the Swedish History Museum, alongside notable items from Estonian collections. Curated by Merike Kurisoo from the Art Museum of Estonia and Pia Bengtsson Melin from the Swedish National History Museum, the exhibition presents a fascinating array of works.

“While preparing the exhibition, the richness of Estonian collections became evident. Exceptionally fine works and artefacts from the 16th and 17th centuries have been brought to the public, highlighting this magnificent heritage of noble, urban, and ecclesiastical culture,” explained Kurisoo, the Estonian curator.

Among the standout pieces is a rare, large altar textile from Lüganuse Church, dating to the late 17th century, and Lambert de Hondt‘s striking painting Journey to Noah’s Ark (c. 1650), on loan from the Kadriorg Art Museum. Many of the Estonian exhibits date from the 16th and 17th centuries, a period when Estonia was under Swedish rule.

Featuring nearly 50 works, the exhibition Unicorn in the Magical Forest will be on display at the Niguliste Museum until April 6, 2025.