A new and fascinating permanent photo exhibition, "The Skyscraper of Freedom Square" (Vabadusplatsi pilvelõhkuja), is now open in the service hall of Tallinn City Hall. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time, exploring the history of Tallinn’s landmark building and Freedom Square. It highlights the development of metropolitan architecture in the early 20th century and showcases the city’s transformation into a growing and modernizing capital.

The exhibition focuses on the history of the building that now houses Tallinn City Office. Completed in 1931, the building was referred to in the newspaper Vaba Maa as "The Skyscraper of Freedom Square". The same article described the former headquarters of Estonian Insurance Company (Eestimaa Kindlustuse Aktsiaselts) as the most modern and tallest building in the Baltics at the time.

The exhibition features unique photographs from the collections of the Estonian History Museum, the National Archives, the Tallinn City Archives, the Tallinn City Museum, and the Tartu Art Museum, as well as from the private collection of Vaido Lillemaa. The photos have been digitally restored and colorized by Hanno Puskar, offering visitors a contemporary perspective on the past. The accompanying texts provide an overview of the building’s history and the transformations of its surroundings over the century.

The building was designed in 1929 by architect Robert Natus, and its construction was a significant milestone for Tallinn. It was the first high-rise to be built on Freedom Square, giving the city a more metropolitan appearance. The exhibition provides insight into the history of this important structure, its role in shaping the Estonia's capital city architecture, and the social and construction developments of the era.

The exhibition is located in the service hall of Tallinn City Office (Vabaduse väljak  7, 1st floor) and is open to both residents and visitors on weekdays during service hours. Admission is free.

Curator: Eha-Kai Mesipuu
Design: Katrin Tammsaar
Graphic Design: Stuudio Stuudio

Service hall opening hours at Tallinn City Office (Vabaduse väljak 7, 1st floor):

• Monday: 8:15 – 18:00
• Tuesday – Thursday: 8:15 – 17:00
• Friday: 8:15 – 16:00