Kumu Art Museum

Kumu is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia and the largest art museum in the Baltic states, standing on A. Weizenbergi at the edge of Kadriorg Park in Tallinn. Designed by the Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori and opened in 2006, the seven-storey structure is built into a limestone cliff, with an angular titanium-clad exterior and a large atrium inside. The permanent exhibition follows Estonian art from the 18th century to the present across two main displays. One covers art from the 18th century to the end of the Second World War, including portraits, landscapes and the national awakening period, while the other covers Soviet-era and contemporary art, including socialist realism, conceptual art and underground work that was made under censorship. Temporary exhibitions on the top and lower floors bring in international contemporary artists and thematic shows. A full visit takes two to three hours, and keen visitors can easily spend more. The atrium offers the best vantage point for photographing the building's architecture, while the upper galleries have views over the park and towards the city. The museum is closed on Mondays and open late until 20:00 on Thursdays, which makes Thursday evening the best time for a relaxed visit. Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing. The adult ticket costs about 16 euros, with reduced rates for children and students, and combined tickets with Kadriorg Palace are often offered. The museum has a cafe and a shop with Estonian design and art books, and an audio guide helps visitors who want context on the Soviet-era section, which can be unfamiliar. Crowds are lightest on weekday mornings and Thursday evenings, and busiest on rainy weekend afternoons. Reach Kumu by tram 1 or 3 to Kadriorg followed by a 10-minute walk through the park, or by buses 1A, 8, 34A and 38. Kumu is easily paired with Kadriorg Palace and the park for a full cultural day in Tallinn, Harju County.