Seven art galleries worth visiting in Tallinn

This stylish building on the Freedom Square belongs to the Estonian Artists’ Association and has been used as a contemporary art gallery for almost 100 years. Every spring, Tallinn Art Hall holds an annual exhibition that gives an overview of the latest Estonian art. In addition to the main building, you can also enjoy the Art Hall’s exhibition programme in the nearby City Gallery and Art Hall Gallery.

The numerous exhibitions of the Estonian Artists’ Association’s members are also hosted in the Draakon Gallery and Hobusepea Gallery in the Old Town. The Art Noveau building of the Draakon Gallery clearly stands out from the surrounding medieval milieu – its facade is decorated with various nature ornaments, human figures and, of course, dragons. The gallery aims to display contemporary art, sell artwork and present the works of young artists. The nearby Hobusepea Gallery supports young artists and offers them their first exhibition opportunities. If you happen to visit the Art Hall, you should also stop by the Hop Gallery next door, which specialises in applied arts and design.

The gallery’s spacious rooms are located in the Telliskivi Creative City near the Balti Jaam Railway Station. Founded in 1990, Vaal is the first exhibition and sales gallery based on private capital. The gallery displays both Estonian classical art as well as contemporary art. It hosts auctions every spring and autumn to display the most outstanding and rare works of art.

Located in the magical Bremen Passage right in the heart of the Tallinn Old Town, Haus Gallery is one of the oldest art galleries in Estonia. The gallery displays high-quality Estonian art and regularly hosts different exhibitions on its two floors. The exhibitions are especially interesting before the spring and autumn auctions because they give a comprehensive and professional overview of Estonian art history.

The gallery provides professional local and international representation to both established and emerging artists from Estonia and the surrounding region. The exhibition hall is located near the sea in the Noblessner harbour area, which is known for its fascinating architecture and neighbourhood. The gallery is situated in the 100-year-old industrial building of a former secret submarine factory. The building also houses the Kai Art Centre displaying contemporary art, an arthouse cinema, an office of culture promoters and many restaurants and bars.

Located in an eye-catching spot between the Old Town and the city centre, the Design and Architecture Gallery is best known for its large display window. You can walk here at any moment of the day or night, look through the window and get an idea of the current exhibition. The gallery’s exhibition programme varies from paintings and photography to sculptures and ceramics. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular exhibitions of the year is the gingerbread exhibition PiparkoogiMaania, which takes place every Christmas.

A-Gallery gives a complete overview of contemporary Estonian jewellery. The gallery hosts a vigorous exhibition programme, jewellery sales and artists’ workshops in their two exhibition halls in the Old Town. The gallery expanded its exhibitions into the public urban space and organises micro-exhibitions in its windows.

Formerly known as the main building of the legendary Tallinn Art Products Factory, the ARS Art Factory is now the workplace for over a hundred artists, designers and creative companies. Its residents are photographers, porcelain painters, jewellery and clothing designers as well as many other artists working in various fields. You can enjoy and buy artwork, visit exhibitions, book educational art trainings and take part in workshops here. There is also a cafeteria and an art supply store in the building.