TALLINN.- Tallinn Art Hall has launched an open art competition, inviting artists to submit innovative ideas for a new public artwork that will integrate seamlessly into its newly renovated main building in Freedom Square. This initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience and embed contemporary art within the very fabric of the historic space.


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Unlike typical art commissions for public buildings, the Art Hall's competition uniquely emphasizes its existing artistic context. The institution, which has served as a pivotal hub for Estonian art for over 85 years, is undergoing a significant transformation designed to open its spaces more dynamically to the public and evolving artistic practices.

A Symbiotic Relationship with Art

Artists are challenged to propose a work that fosters a symbiotic relationship with the building's identity and its constantly changing exhibitions. "The Art Hall is inherently filled with art," notes the competition brief, emphasizing that designs should acknowledge the building's history while embracing its potential for future artistic endeavors. The commissioned artwork's location isn't strictly fixed; instead, it will be determined primarily by the specific artistic vision proposed.


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The competition is open to a wide range of artistic approaches, seeking works that fall into one or more of four categories:

• Performative: Artworks that can be repeatedly re-staged, augmented, or engage audiences over time.

• Ephemeral: Fading or immaterial pieces.

• Technological: Works that integrate with the reconstructed Art Hall's new technical systems.

• Sculptural: Three-dimensional artworks.

For artists focusing on sculptural works, given the complexities of integrating traditional sculpture indoors, solutions are also welcomed for three distinct outdoor areas: the stepped lightwells on the east side of the building, the inner courtyard facades, and the narrow western courtyard.

Jury, Timeline, and Investment

A distinguished jury will assess the submissions, including Siim Preiman, curator of Tallinn Art Hall; Juhan Rohtla, the architect behind the reconstruction project; Tüüne-Kristin Vaikla, space researcher and vice-president of the Estonian Artists' Association; Ingrid Ruudi, architectural scholar; and Hilkka Hiiop, conservator and rector of the Estonian Academy of Arts.

The deadline for competition entries is September 1, 2025, with the winner to be announced in early October. The winning artist(s) will be awarded a contract totaling €110,000 (plus VAT) for the commissioning and installation of the work. An additional €5,500 prize fund will be distributed among second and third-place entries.

The Transformed Art Hall

The current reconstruction is the most extensive overhaul of the functionalist building – originally designed by Edgar Johan Kuusik and Anton Soans – since its construction. The renovation will significantly alter the internal logistics, introducing new staircases for visitors, workshops and classrooms in the basement, and a glass-ceilinged lightwell as a new exhibition space.

A new underground section in the courtyard will house a multi-purpose black box hall. The popular Kuku club is also undergoing a refresh, expanding from the basement to the first floor and into the courtyard during summer months. Additionally, an accessible outdoor sculpture gallery will be created along the city wall. Throughout the project, the building's historical heritage is being carefully preserved, with nearly century-old floors, doors, windows, and other details restored.

The architectural design for the reconstruction was developed by Juhan Rohtla, Kalle Komissarov, Joel Kopli, and Kristiina Way from KUU Arhitektid, with interior design by Tarmo Piirmets from PINK Sisearhitektid.



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