09. Oct 2025
Over 450 Events: The Free Architecture Festival Open House Tallinn Opens the Doors to the City’s Most Fascinating Buildings This Week
On 11–12 October, the architecture festival Open House Tallinn once again invites residents and visitors to discover more than 40 buildings and locations across the city that are usually closed to the public. This year’s festival focuses on the architectural heritage of the future – exploring how today’s buildings and urban environments will shape the Tallinn of tomorrow.
According to Open House Tallinn producer Aleksander Tali, the festival is the perfect opportunity to see and experience the city from a new perspective: “I’m delighted that once again it’s that special weekend of the year when all of Tallinn opens its doors. Bring your curiosity and good mood, and give yourself and your friends the unique chance to explore architecture. I encourage everyone to venture into parts of the city they haven’t visited before – that’s where the city really starts to speak,” says Tali.
Now in its seventh edition, Open House Tallinn 2025 offers a multifaceted way to experience the city — to listen, observe, move, and reflect. In addition to open buildings and sites, the programme includes guided tours, lectures, special walks, light and sound experiences, and even an indoor orienteering adventure.
This year’s programme once again spans diverse districts and architectural styles. Among the highlights are seven educational institutions (including the Estonian Academy of Arts, Tõnismäe and Pelgulinna State Gymnasiums, and St. John’s School), seven public institutions (such as the Toompea Castle and the Parliament, Bank of Estonia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chancellor of Justice Office, and the Ministries’ Joint Building), as well as iconic industrial landmarks like the Nõmme Grain Elevator, Manufaktuur Quarter, and BLRT shipyard. Visitors can also explore theatres, cultural venues, sacred spaces, new developments, and harbour and urban construction areas.
This vibrant selection demonstrates how diverse Tallinn’s urban landscape truly is — and how much there is still to discover, even for those who think they know the city inside out.
The full schedule of tours and lectures is available on the Open House Tallinn website. Most events are open without prior registration and can be attended on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that programme details are subject to change; updates will be shared on the Open House Tallinn website and social media channels.
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.