Fotografiska Tallinn: Bringing the world to Tallinn

By Malin Norman

Discover world-class photography, elevated dining and events at Fotografiska Tallinn – a destination with a thriving creative community and surprising new perspectives. The museum brings together an interconnected programme of classics, rising stars, and street photography, and a fantastic Michelin Green Star restaurant and rooftop bar on the sixth floor.

Fotografiska Tallinn is a contemporary museum for photography, art and culture. The multi-story building, located in a creative hub in the city, houses exhibitions, events, and culinary experiences. “This is a living organ,” says Margit Aasmäe, director and co-founder. “You can come for a morning coffee or a bite in our cosy ground-floor café that serves organic treats, check out an exhibition or event, or have a drink in the rooftop bar.”

Kaleidoscope. Photo: Henriette Sabroe Ebbesen

As the first location outside Stockholm, where the museum concept originates, Fotografiska Tallinn opened its doors six years ago. “We’re not quite newbies anymore, rather more like teenagers, eager to conquer the world,” says the director. “Fotografiska in Stockholm was a great inspiration to us, and thanks to our local team, we’re now able to bring the world to Tallinn.”

The mission is to not just show photos on the walls, but to offer something more meaningful. “We want people to experience art in a different way, making the photography come alive,” muses Aasmäe. “With a mix of known photographers and rising stars, our displays are interconnected, reflecting current events but also showing the beauty of the world.”

Through the Playful Eyes of Elliott Erwitt. Photo: Elliott Erwitt, Magnum Photos

This summer has an inspiring mix of exhibitions. Fotografiska Tallinn presents Through the Playful Eyes of Elliott Erwitt, a retrospective celebrating the legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt (1928–2023). Exploring Erwitt’s seven decades of creative photography, the exhibition highlights everyday moments, humorous perspectives, and thought-provoking reflections.

Visitors can also be amazed by Kaleidoscope, an exhibition by Danish artist Henriette Sabroe Ebbesen. Blurring the boundaries between photography and painting, reality and imagination, the display explores the depths of the human psyche and body. And not-to-be-missed is Why These?, Bruce Gilden’s bold street photography that shines a light on society; real people from back alleys, everyday life, and the true, unfiltered corners of the world.

Sustainable food and drink artistry also shine at Fotografiska Tallinn, where a Michelin Green Star restaurant embraces a museum-inspired slogan – even Michelin can be punk! The restaurant serves casual lunches and delicious dinners, while a fabulous rooftop bar and a 360-degree garden terrace welcome anyone in the mood for a good time. Aasmäe hints that Friday evenings are a good time for a visit: “On Fridays, we’re open until midnight, with louder music, a bar in the exhibition space, surprising performances – and our rooftop bar stays open until 1am.”