On 21.01.2026, a new exhibition “Estonia Worldwide” will open at Vabamus, telling the story of Estonian diaspora communities through time, including the departures, returns, and the creation of a new home abroad. This is an exhibition about the bonds that unite communities, about identity, and about a global Estonia, that exists across the globe.

Migration has always been part of what it means to be human and emigree communities have thus always been part of the history of what we nowadays call Estonia. The exhibition focuses on the story of Estonian migration from the mid-19th century to the present day. Just as there are three major waves of Estonian migration, the exhibition is also divided into three parts.

1. Diaspora communities that emerged during the second half of the 19th century, and Estonian diaspora during the first period of independence

2. Deportees and refugees in the midst of World War II and the years of occupation that followed, and the preservation of Estonian identity and statehood in exile

3. Emigration after Estonia regained independence

The story of the worldwide Estonia is also part of the story of Vabamu. The museum’s founder, Olga Kistler-Ritso, was a diaspora Estonian more than once: she was born in Kyiv and was forced to escape after spending her youth in Estonia, living in the USA for the rest of her life.

Exhibition team:
Curators: Martin Vaino, Ede Schank Tamkivi, Terje Toomistu
Design and implementation: Kristi Kongi, Valge Kuup
Graphic design: Franka Vakkum
Digital map: Hendrik Kaju
Photo book installation: Lisa Trei
Translation and editing: Maja Soomägi, Ester Šank
Marketing and communication: Agnes Kaasik
Preparation of objects: Liisi Ploom, Raimo Tõnissoo

Supporters: Eesti Kultuurkapital, Eesti Teadusagentuur