Kumu Art Museum, Tallinn

Kumu Art Museum, Tallinn

The Kumu Kunstimuuseum is the main branch of the Art Museum of Estonia, and one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe.

The Kumu Kunstimuuseum is the main branch of the Art Museum of Estonia, and one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. It showcases a permanent collection of chronologically arranged Estonian art from the early 18th century to 1991, and temporary collections of contemporary art from Estonia as well as other countries. The 5-storey building designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori stands on a semi-circular plan, and complements its surroundings on the limestone hill at the edge of Kadriorg Park. It is not only a place for collection, preservation, and exposition of artwork, but also a venue for art events and education. The ground and first floor have auditoriums, library, bookstore, and temporary exhibition space. The second floor displays Estonian art from the 18th century to World War II. The third floor showcases works from the Soviet era of 1945 to 1991, exhibiting Socialist Realism paintings, Nonconformist art from that era, and Soviet propaganda posters. The fourth floor presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary art from 1991 onwards.