This year marks 35 years since the historic events that led to the restoration of Estonia’s independence. On 20 August 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia voted to restore the country’s independence—a moment that many still remember vividly today. The freedom won then is something to cherish and celebrate. Join us at Vabamu and celebrate this special day with us! We welcome visitors of all ages to our Family Day, featuring a variety of engaging activities for the whole family.

Special Guided Tour with Joosep Vimm
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Every building and every place has a story. Each story carries the spirit of its era and the political system that shaped it. On one staircase, a Cold War spy thriller unfolds. In one church, a party in the early 2000s pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable during the depths of an economic crisis. At one restaurant, those who longed to experience the glamour and luxury of newly independent Estonia’s urban life attempted to pay not with money, but with a live chimpanzee brought back from a sea voyage.

This is Tallinn. It is these people and their stories that breathe life into the old heart of our city.

Our walk begins in front of Vabamu. From there, we make our way across Toompea and through the winding streets and hidden courtyards of Tallinn’s Old Town. The pace is relaxed, but please note that the route includes cobblestone streets and stairs.

Joosep Vimm has been sharing the stories of Tallinn’s Old Town and the city’s history with audiences for the past 19 years. In recent years, his social media video series This Is Tallinn has gained a wide following by uncovering both well-known and lesser-known stories behind locations across the Estonian capital. Joosep studied history in Tallinn and economics in Stockholm. Having attended school in the Old Town, the former Deputy Mayor of Tallinn and current member of the City Council has an intimate knowledge of its hidden corners, fascinating stories, and the city’s vibrant present.

Start: 11.00 am in front of Vabamu
Finish: 12.30 pm at Town Hall Square
Tickets can be purchased from Fienta.
The tour is in Estonian.

Freedom Peloton
12:00–3:00 PM
The Freedom Peloton is a free cycling tour for everyone interested in combining cycling, history, and public discussion. Together, we will ride through places in Tallinn connected to the restoration of Estonia’s independence while reflecting on the events and people whose courage and belief in freedom helped shape the Estonia we know today.

Along the route, we will visit locations that played a significant role during the Singing Revolution and the restoration of Estonia’s independence. We will discuss the importance of civic activism in achieving and safeguarding freedom, both then and now. The tour covers the Hirvepark demonstration and the demand to disclose the secret protocols of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, the protests organised by the Intermovement (Interfront), the barricades built around Toompea, the Baltic Chain as a symbol of solidarity among nations, and the dramatic events of August 1991, when people stood up to defend their freedom and protected key institutions, including the Tallinn TV Tower.

The Freedom Peloton offers a unique opportunity to see familiar places in Tallinn from a new perspective, learn more about Estonia’s recent history, and enjoy an active and meaningful experience in great company.

Start: 12:00 PM in front of Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom
Finish: 3:00 PM at the Tallinn TV Tower
Distance: approximately 15 km

Participants of all ages and backgrounds are welcome—all you need is a bicycle and a willingness to join. Please register in advance so we can ensure a safe ride and prepare a few surprises along the route.
The tour is in Estonian.

Workshops at Vabamu
11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Make Your Own Badge
Join our traditional Independence Day workshop and create your own Estonia-themed badge. Draw inspiration from historical badges in Vabamu’s collection and design a symbol of freedom to take home.

Workshop with Hildegard
More information coming soon.

Children’s Corner with Piip and Tuut
Our youngest visitors are invited to a cosy children’s corner, where they can watch a short animated film featuring Piip and Tuut about the raising of the Estonian flag and build the iconic Pikk Hermann tower from LEGO bricks. Through play and creativity, children can discover the story of Estonia’s restored independence and learn about some of the country’s most important national symbols.

Pop-up Exhibition
On 20 August, we will also open a new pop-up exhibition featuring objects connected to the period of Estonia’s restoration of independence.

Vabamu Café
The Vabamu Café will be open throughout the day, serving a selection of both savoury and sweet treats.

Museum Admission
Special admission prices apply on this festive day:

• Regular ticket – €8
• Discount ticket – €6
• Family ticket – €15
• Free admission with a Museum Card