Kadriorg, which means “Catherine’s Valley” in Estonian, is a delightful subdistrict in the heart of Tallinn’s Kesklinn (Midtown). This area exudes elegance and history, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a blend of culture, green spaces, and architectural beauty.

A Royal Legacy

Originally established as a summer residence for the Russian Tsar Peter the Great, Kadriorg boasts a rich heritage. The centerpiece of this district is the Kadriorg Palace, a Baroque gem commissioned by Peter the Great himself.

Its name pays homage to his wife, Catherine I. The palace, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, is a testament to imperial opulence.

Art and Museums

Kadriorg Park, adjacent to the palace, invites visitors to explore its serene pathways, sculptures, and ponds. Within the park, you’ll find several museums:

• Kadriorg Art Museum: Housed in the palace, this branch of the Art Museum of Estonia showcases European art from the 16th to 20th centuries.
• Kumu Art Museum: A modernist marvel, Kumu celebrates Estonian art, hosting exhibitions and events.
• Mikkel Museum: A hidden gem featuring ecclesiastical art and rare artifacts.
• Peter the Great Museum: Dive into the life and legacy of the visionary tsar.
• Eduard Vilde Museum: Dedicated to the Estonian writer Eduard Vilde.

Presidential Presence

Lastly, the official residence of the President of Estonia graces the park, adding a touch of contemporary significance to this regal enclave.

In Kadriorg, time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a captivating blend of past and present. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking tranquility, Kadriorg awaits you with open arms.

Kadriorg Park, spanning around 70 hectares, is more than just greenery; it’s a living canvas of history. Imagine strolling along the meticulously manicured flower beds surrounding the Swan Pond, where swans glide gracefully, their reflections mirroring the past.

The promenade leads you to the president’s palace, an elegant neoclassical gem testament to Estonia’s contemporary significance.

But there’s more. Within the park’s leafy embrace, you’ll discover a constellation of museums, each a portal to a different epoch.

 

 

KUMU (Estonian Art Museum) – A Hub of Estonian Art

The Kumu Art Museum is a cultural gem in the Kadriorg District in the heart of Tallinn.  As one of the largest museums in the country and a prominent art institution in Northern Europe, Kumu offers visitors a captivating journey through Estonian art history and contemporary creativity.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Kumu’s roof terrace! From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Tallinn, capturing the city’s essence in a single glance.

Permanent Exhibitions

Landscapes of Identity: Estonian Art 1700–1945: Explore the rich tapestry of Estonian artistic expression from the 18th century to World War II. This permanent exhibition delves into the nation’s cultural heritage, showcasing masterpieces that reflect identity, tradition, and societal shifts.

The Future is in One Hour: Estonian Art in the 1990s: Step into the dynamic world of contemporary Estonian art. This exhibition sheds light on the transformative decade following Estonia’s independence, featuring works that challenge conventions and embrace innovation.

Conflicts and Adaptations: Estonian Art of the Soviet Era (1940–1991): Uncover the complexities of artistic creation during the Soviet occupation. From resistance to adaptation, this exhibition reveals how Estonian artists navigated turbulent times.

Address: Valge 1

Kadriorg Art Museum

Located amidst the lush greenery of Kadriorg Park, the Kadriorg Art Museum is a testament to the intersection of European and Russian artistic heritage. This enchanting museum invites visitors to explore centuries-old masterpieces within the walls of a Baroque palace.

Permanent Exhibition – A Treasure Trove of Artistic Gems

The museum’s permanent collection spans five centuries, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Here are some highlights:

1. Western European Paintings: From Renaissance to Romanticism
   • Admire works by Flemish masters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck.
   • Lose yourself in the dreamy landscapes of Claude Lorrain and the emotional intensity of Francisco Goya.
2. Russian Art: A Window into History
   • Explore the evolution of Russian painting, from iconography to realism.
   • Marvel at the portraits of Catherine the Great and other luminaries.
3. Sculptures and Decorative Arts
   • Delicate porcelain, intricate silverware, and exquisite furniture—each piece tells a story.

Mikkeli Museum

The Mikkel Museum, located within the picturesque Kadriorg Park in Tallinn, is a cultural treasure that art enthusiasts should not miss. Let’s explore this fascinating institution and its rich collection.

The museum owes its existence to Johannes Mikkel (1907–2006), an Estonian art collector passionate about diverse artistic expressions. His generous donation in 1994 formed the foundation of the Mikkel Museum.

The permanent exhibition showcases an exquisite array of fine porcelain and ceramics from both Europe and China. Visitors can marvel at delicate pieces that span centuries, reflecting the craftsmanship and cultural exchange between continents.

Address: August Weizenbergi 37

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (with extended hours on Wednesdays)

Kadriorg Palace, also known as Kadrioru loss in Estonian and Schloss Katharinental in German, stands as a testament to 18th-century Petrine Baroque architecture. Located in the heart of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, this magnificent palace has a rich history and continues to captivate visitors with its elegance and cultural significance.

Origins and Construction

The story of Kadriorg Palace begins after the successful 1710 siege of Reval (now Tallinn) during the Great Northern War. Czar Peter the Great of Russia purchased a small manor house at Laksberg (Lasnamäe) for his wife, Catherine.

Inspired by the picturesque landscape, plans for a grander palace emerged, and construction commenced on July 25, 1718. The main building was completed by 1725, designed by Nicola Michetti, and executed by architects Gaetano Chiaveri and Mikhail Zemtsov.

Architectural Features

The palace boasts a great hall adorned with stucco decorations, including Catherine’s initials. Although many interiors have been altered over time, this hall remains a testament to the past. The surrounding park, designed by gardener Ilya Surmin, features flower gardens with fountains and a mirage garden on multiple levels, reminiscent of Peter the Great’s Strelna palace layout1.

Restoration and Historical Significance

Following Peter the Great’s death, the palace received sporadic attention from the Russian royal family. Empress Elisabeth and Catherine the Great occasionally visited. In 1828-1830, extensive restoration efforts revitalized the palace and its grounds.

From 1741 to 1917, it served as the residence of the civilian governor of the Governorate of Estonia. After Estonia gained independence in 1918, the palace became state property. It housed the Art Museum of Estonia and even served as a summer residence for the head of state during a state visit by King Gustaf V of Sweden.

Kadriorg Today

Today, Kadriorg Palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia. The museum exhibits foreign art from the 16th to 20th centuries. Nearby, in the Kadriorg Park, the Kumu branch focuses on Estonian art from the 18th century onwards.

The palace’s Baroque Revival architecture and lush surroundings continue to enchant visitors, making it a must-see destination in Tallinn.

Adres: A. Weizenbergi 37

The Russalka Memorial (Estonian: Russalka mälestussammas) stands as a poignant tribute to the sailors who lost their lives aboard the Russian warship Rusalka. Erected in Kadriorg, Tallinn on September 7, 1902, this bronze monument holds historical significance and artistic beauty.

The Rusalka met its tragic fate en route to Finland in 1893, sinking beneath the waves. To commemorate the ninth anniversary of this maritime disaster, Estonian sculptor Amandus Adamson crafted the memorial. It was a significant milestone—the first monument in Estonia created by a local sculptor.

The Angel and the Cross

At the heart of the memorial stands an angel, her gaze directed toward the assumed location of the shipwreck. Clutching an Orthodox cross, she symbolizes hope, remembrance, and the eternal sea. The model for this angelic figure was none other than Adamson’s housekeeper, Juliana Rootsi.

Address: Pirita tee 1