Escape the typical tourist trails and delve into the heart of Tallinn’s creative scene at the Tallinn Design Festival, the largest design festival in the Baltics. This week-long extravaganza brings together Estonian and international design talent, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of innovation and inspiration.
While many visitors flock to the picturesque Old Town, the Tallinn Design Festival (Disainiöö) invites you to explore a different side of the city. Its main hub is the Krulli Quarter, a post-industrial site brimming with history and potential. Here, you’ll find a captivating opening show titled ‘TAKE SPACE, MAKE SPACE, BAKE SPACE,’ dedicated to the transformative power of design in revitalizing industrial spaces. This year’s theme, ‘Make room for design,’ resonates throughout the festival, prompting reflection on the role of design in shaping our world.
The Krulli Quarter serves as the beating heart of the festival, hosting a diverse array of events:
* The Estonian Design Awards Gala, celebrating the best in local design
* ‘Dearest Pinocchio,’ an intriguing exhibition where Italian designers and graphic designers reimagine the beloved puppet
* ‘Rendezvous: Evi Tihemets and Kaupo Kikkas,’ an expansive showcase spanning over 60 years of artistic creation by the two artists
* An extensive roster of workshops and discussion events fostering dialogue and collaboration
For those with a passion for fashion, the DOM sustainable fashion and clothing design show promises a delightful showcase of locally crafted wearable art. The next generation of Estonian and international designers will take center stage at the Arts Thread Global Design Graduate Show and the Estonian design and architecture schools’ showcase, offering a glimpse into the future of design.
Looking for a unique souvenir? The Design Street Market offers a treasure trove of handcrafted clothing, homeware, and jewelry, making it the perfect place to find a lasting memento of your Tallinn Design Festival experience.
While the Krulli Quarter is the festival’s central hub, a network of over 25 satellite locations spread throughout Tallinn amplify the festival’s reach. Museums, galleries, and design studios host tours, talks, masterclasses, and other engaging events, ensuring that design enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the festival’s dynamic energy.
But the Tallinn Design Festival extends beyond the city limits, reaching out to the picturesque, forest-covered island of Hiiumaa with an innovative recycled art workshop. Adventure further to the heart of Lahemaa National Park, where a captivating light art show in the village of Joaveski will transport you to a realm of enchanting artistry.
Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary at the Tallinn Design Festival, where history and innovation collide in a celebration of creativity and design.
