Once a year, on a Saturday evening in May, museums and other memory institutions open their doors later than usual to celebrate the European Museum Night. The Estonian Museum Association has been organizing Museum Night since 2009, marking the first time it was held nationwide. This year’s Museum Night is titled “A Book in the Night” and invites all interested parties to join us for a special evening of enjoyment. 

Vabamu 

At Vabamu, you can explore not only our permanent exhibition “Freedom Has No Borders” but also the temporary exhibition “Defending Freedom: Estonian Civil Society in the Russo-Ukraine War.” Additionally, visitors can discover the new audio journey of the permanent exhibition “Such Stories: 20th Century Tales of Sexual and Gender Minorities in Estonia.” 

The year 2025 is the Year of the Estonian Book, aimed at celebrating our rich literary tradition. We invite you to share your book recommendations with us! Posters have been set up at Vabamu where you can write down your favorite books and read the suggestions of other visitors. 

Moreover, you have the chance to take home a new book, as Vabamu staff will be bringing in their own books for sharing that they have already read. 

Throughout the evening, the drama group KOKK (Artistically Everything is Correct) from the 32nd Secondary School will present historical short performances, adding even more excitement to the night. 

To keep the atmosphere pleasant and enjoyable, Vabamu’s director, Ivo Lille, will personally play music. 

Vabamu also features a café where you can enjoy delicious snacks and drinks! 

KGB Prison Cells 

In the KGB prison cells, you can discover the new permanent exhibition “Locked Up Stories: the KGB in Estonia.” 

Museum Night attracts many visitors, which may occasionally lead to queues. To make the waiting time pleasurable and fun, we have planned several entertainment activities. 

The museums will be open from 18:00 to 23:00, with the last entry to the Vabamu permanent exhibition at 22:30. 

Admission is only 1 euro (children under 8 years old are free). Entry is free with a museum card. 

Read more about the Museum Night program here.

Come and enjoy an exciting evening at Vabamu and the KGB prison cells!