An exhibition about the history of Mustamäe is open in the Russian Museum of the Tallinn City Museum on Pikk Street, which opens the story of the birth and development of the district and also looks to the future. What did the city planners dream about and what did those who got an apartment there? Did we really want such a Mustamäe?

Mustamäe’s first apartment building, which was supposed to save the people of Tallinn from the lack of apartments, was completed in 1962. The erection of a new satellite town was essential because, after the bombing of Tallinn in the Second World War, the need for fine living conditions was big due to war damages and urbanization. This was possible in the second half of the 1950s thanks to new technologies and modern design which was officially approved. Houses were built much quicker than before and neighborhoods of similar-looking housing were built from standardized parts and elements.

In Estonia, Mustamäe symbolized the good life. For many people, having their own apartment with hot water, central heating, sewerage, electricity, and telephone remained an enviable dream. Mustamäe’s architecture was modern, with the environmentally friendly trolleybus as a transport vehicle. The micro-districts have kindergartens, schools, workplaces, and shops as well as entertainment and ski trails, and a sledding hill in the forest.

The exhibition reveals the history of the district, people, landmarks from former popular spots to the campus of the Technical University, contradictions, and their possible solutions. The designer of the exhibition is Jekaterina Poltavets, who boldly interprets Bauhaus aesthetics and motifs in a modern way.

The exhibition is open from 20.07.2023 and will remain open for two years.

Curators: Karin Paulus, Denis Jatsenko
Artist-designer: Jekaterina Poltavets (Katline Graphic Design)
Team: Julia Korneeva, Irina Krivorukova, Alelsei Kalachov