Open House Tallinn 2025 Special Programme Opens the City in New Ways

As part of Open House Tallinn, taking place on 11–12 October, visitors can experience an extensive special programme that reveals the stories of neighbourhoods, remarkable architecture, and hidden layers of urban space. In addition to the opening of buildings and sites, the programme includes thematic walks and tours, inspiring lectures, explorations of light and sound in the city, and even an adventurous indoor orienteering challenge.

According to Kristiina Pilvet-Petrov, curator of the special programme, the aim is to show that urban space and architecture can be experienced in many different ways: “A city is not only houses and streets, but a weave of stories and experiences. When we explore it by walking, listening, or playing, we realise that space is our companion, not just a backdrop.”

Outdoor tours reveal the city’s many layers and communities. Kopli district walks, led by Hannele Känd, take participants through the cemetery park and seaside area, sharing stories of working-class life and the changing urban landscape. The “Stories and Layers of Štromka” tour uncovers how an unofficial neighbourhood thrives and why it should be valued and protected. The “Edible City” tours – both by bike and on foot – explore community gardens in the city centre, meeting their caretakers and discovering how urban food growing creates new forms of cohesion. In Kalamaja, a heritage walk focuses on balancing the old with the new and reflects on what kind of legacy we leave for future generations. A tour of Old Town and Kalamaja garages reveals the fascinating history of these modest structures, which have transformed into creative and communal spaces. On Pirita’s lighting design walk, organised by the Estonian Lighting Designers’ Association, participants discover how light shapes safety, heritage, and emotional experience, ending with a moment in the glow of live fire. A special adventure walk for 12–19-year-olds, “What is the 15-Minute City?”, takes place in the Krull quarter.

Exclusive building tours open doors usually closed to the public. KAMP Arhitektid lead a behind-the-scenes visit to Haven Kakumäe Marina Centre, which combines harbour architecture, residential space, and leisure facilities. The LÄVI-designed Wise office, ranked among the world’s best workplaces, unfolds as a mini-neighbourhood with kitchen cafés and diverse meeting rooms. A walk through the life cycle of Linnahall considers whether it is a Soviet relic or a Nordic gem, and what future lies ahead for the building. Ars Projekt architecture office opens its doors to show how large urban developments and detailed interiors are created, while a walk led by architect Mart Keskküla in one of Tallinn’s historic Old Town buildings demonstrates how old houses breathe in the present day. A rare opportunity also awaits at the British Embassy on Wismari Street, where visitors gain insight into diplomatic work and representation.

The lecture series at Tallinn’s Avalinn Participation Centre begins on Friday, 10 October, offering fresh perspectives on the city. “The City at Night” explores the cultural layers of urban nightlife, focusing on darkness and light, sounds and silences. Carlo Cubero’s English-language lecture “Soundscape” invites audiences to listen to the city as a form of knowledge, shaping experience and revealing new patterns. The lecture on the future of garage areas along the Putukaväila corridor examines how fragmented spaces could be transformed into lively and green urban environments. “Play, Model and a Pleasant City Space” delves into Tallinn’s 3D city model and virtual reality, showing how technology can engage citizens in shaping their living environment.

Indoor orienteering in Swedbank’s former headquarters offers a playful way to experience architecture. Participants are given a map with checkpoints to navigate, while enjoying a stunning view of the Old Town from the upper floor. Both beginners and experienced orienteers are welcome to discover the building in an adventurous way.

Now in its seventh edition, Open House Tallinn 2025’s special programme offers the chance to experience the city from multiple angles – by listening, watching, moving, and reflecting. The full schedule of tours and lectures is available on the Open House Tallinn website. Registration for tours and events requiring advance booking opens on 11 September at 6 p.m. via Fienta.

Check out the programme here.

The festival is organised by the Estonian Centre for Architecture in cooperation with partners and supporters: Estonian Cultural Endowment, City of Tallinn, European Heritage Days, Hepsor, Laufen, Rockwool, Ruukki, Kingivabrik, Selver, Raba and Punch Club.

Open House Tallinn is part of the international Open House Europe network, supported by the European Union.

The festival is co-funded by a joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe.