Kumu Art Museum

Overview

Kumu Art Museum is Estonia's largest and most important art museum, housed in a dramatic, award-winning limestone-and-glass building designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori. Set within the lush grounds of Kadriorg Park, it holds the permanent collection of the Art Museum of Estonia spanning from the 18th century to the present day.

Highlights

• Soviet-Era Art: A fascinating collection documenting art under occupation, including Socialist Realist works and clandestine nonconformist pieces.
• Contemporary Wing: Rotating exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge Baltic and international contemporary art.
• Architecture: The building itself won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2008, with its curved facade carved into the limestone cliff.

History

Opened in 2006, Kumu ('kumu' means 'echo' in Estonian) was designed to give Estonia a world-class venue for its national art collection. The building cost €38 million and took four years to construct, seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape of Kadriorg Park.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: Allow 2–3 hours to explore all four floors.
• Free days: Entry to the permanent collection is free on the last Friday of each month.
• Getting there: A pleasant 20-minute walk from Old Town through Kadriorg Park.