The first phase of renovation works has been completed at the historic House of the Blackheads, managed by the Tallinn Philharmonic Society. The building now boasts upgraded technical systems and modern automation. A ceremony was held on November 28 to honor those who contributed to the renovations.

The House of the Blackheads holds an important role in Tallinn's cultural life as a cherished concert venue and event space. It is home to the Tallinn Philharmonic Society, the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, and the Estonian Centre of Contemporary, who use the building daily.

“The House of the Blackheads is undoubtedly one of the gems of our Old Town and cultural scene. Unfortunately, overdue investments had led to a state where the building’s condition was hindering the Tallinn Philharmonic Society’s daily activities. It’s a joyful moment that the first phase is now complete, and we are already moving forward. In the coming year, we hope to resolve accessibility issues and make the public areas more inviting as a concert venue,” said Deputy Mayor Kaarel Oja.

“What brings more life to a building than music!” added Deputy Mayor Viljar Jaamu. “I commend the Tallinn Philharmonic Society for their diligent care of this cultural gem. Yet, every building needs maintenance and repair from time to time. I thank everyone who has contributed to ensuring that this treasure is preserved in a worthy manner.”

“The House of the Blackheads is now much more beautiful—many walls and ceilings had not seen a fresh coat of paint in decades! The foyer’s last major renovation was in the 1980s by Polish restorers. This time, much of the work is not visible to the eye—things have been removed rather than added. For instance, odors from sewage and mold are gone, and unsightly cable bundles as thick as an arm have been hidden in the walls,” explained Tallinn Philharmonic Society Director Lennart Sundja.

“Dozens of half-ton historic radiators have been completely restored, no longer leak, and now heat properly. The historic courtyard has also undergone significant changes: sewage leaks were repaired, heating pipes were placed underground, and a smooth limestone floor was laid in the central area. A major upgrade for both performers and concertgoers is the installation of cooling systems in the halls,” Sundja added.

The renovations included reconstructing heating, electrical, water, and sewage systems, followed by interior finishing and resurfacing, such as cobblestone paths in the courtyard and in front of the building. The building is now equipped with a Building Management System (BMS) that allows full control both on-site and remotely via the internet.

The renovations were designed by AS Infragate Eesti, executed by Tarrest, and supervised by P.P. Ehitusjärelevalve OÜ. The work was commissioned by the Tallinn Property Department, with a total investment of €1.6 million.

The House of the Blackheads is one of the few preserved Renaissance buildings in Tallinn’s Old Town. Located on a rise between Pikk and Pühavaimu Streets (Pikk 26), its multi-level structure is supported by its natural terrain. It features four halls—White Hall, Olav’s Hall, Brotherhood Hall, and Cellar Hall—for concerts and events. The courtyard, located at basement level, is supported by a strong central pillar and two arches that enhance the grandeur of the Brotherhood’s Great Hall. Built between 1531–1532, the courtyard was originally accessible to horse-drawn vehicles, enabling entry from Pikk Street and exit to the lower Pühavaimu Street without needing to turn around.