National Library of Estonia
National Library of Estonia takes part in Open House Tallinn. Admission is free. No registration needed - just turn up.
- Address
- Tõnismägi 2, Tallinn, Eesti
- Open
- Sun, 11. October
- Tours
- Sun, 11. October: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
- Tour languages
- eesti
- Architects
- 1993 Raine Karp, sisekujundaja Sulev Vahtra
- Tour length
- 45-60 min
- Max. visitors
- 25
The National Library of Estonia is the first large public building whose construction was completed immediately after the restoration of Estonia’s sovereignty; it was ceremonially opened on 11 September 1993. It is a textbook example of postmodern architecture, planned to serve as a repository of knowledge and information and at the same time as a major cultural centre. The building was designed by Raine Karp, with interiors by Sulev Vahtra. It is the largest library in the Baltic states, a ten-storey building with two floors below ground. Alongside Linnahall, this monumental, temple-like structure is the second building of such mass in central Tallinn: its main volume with a pyramidal roof opens towards the square in front, and its facade is strictly symmetrical, emphasised by the central rose window motif. The tour introduces the history and future of the building, taking visitors through different floors and behind the scenes of the library’s past and present, including the cable duct digging bee organised by the Popular Front in 1989.
In front of the main entrance.
Open House Tallinn