Tallinn

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Art Museum of Estonia

More Photos
mightywease
mightywease
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
1
Photo
Editor Pick

KUMU

  • July 29, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by mightywease from Carshalton, United Kingdom
KUMU

KUMU (standing for KunstiMUuseum - Art Museum)is home to Estonia's National Collection.

The building, designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori, is almost a work of art in itself. The modern design blends in well with its surroundings and does not seem out of place in an area that includes a number of older, more traditional buildings. The building seems to spring naturally from the ground, there is a very organic feel to it and looking at pictures of the design it appears as if care has been taken to integrate the building materials i.e. glass/concrete etc.. with the physical elements of the land around it. I would have liked to pursue this further by walking around the outside of the building but, sadly, the snow -beautiful as it was - made this impossible.

Inside the building reminded me, at times, of the Tate Modern in London with walkways looking over open spaces and a central hall from which the galleries led off. I liked the curving walkways and staircases, mirroring the curve of the building, the sense of space and also, particularly in the galleries, the sense of airiness.

The permanent exhibits are split into two groups, Estonian art from the 18th century until the end of World War II and Estonian Art from 1945 to 1991, the restoration of Estonia's Independence. Temporary Contemporary Art Exhibitions will represent the years after 1991.

A multitude of different styles and themes are represented, Romanticism and Expressionism in the 19th Century/early 20th Century, Nordic influences and explorations of National identity. There are some wonderful grotesque yet compelling works by a graphic artist, Eduard Wiiralt and examples of avant garde, modernism and pop art.

The post-World War II galleries are particularly interesting in showing how art and the artistic community in Estonian were effected by and reflected the Soviet era, from propaganda and reportage to being a tool of protest and disapproval.
As with many wide ranging exhibitions not everything will be to everyone?s taste, however, it allows the viewer to see how art in Estonia has developed and been influenced and also provides a fascinating insight into the history of the country as seen through the eyes of its artists.

The museum also includes an education centre and while we were there a number of groups of children were also being guided round. Looking for certain details in a picture, sitting discussing an exhibit, basically getting involved with art and communication.

The museum brochure indicates that it is wishes to create a "congenial atmosphere" in which to show art, that it wishes to appeal to a wide range of people, whose interest in art spans from well versed to nascent. And that it can be a place where "diverse ideas emerge and develop". They certainly seem to have achieved the first, are doing all they can to promote the second and, I hope, will progress and expand the third.

Open: 11am-6pm
Tues-Sun May-September
Wed-Sun October-April

From journal Tallinn - Warm Heart in Cold Weather

Compare Tallinn Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Tallinn Travel Deals