MINUN VAPAA MAANI

Näyttely ”Minu vaba riik” (Minun vapaa maani) on retki 100 vuoden läpi – Viron tasavallan syntymähetkistä nykypäivään.

Matka kuljettaa näyttelyvieraan yhdeksän tilan läpi, jotka kertovat esineiden, valokuvien, muistelmien, elokuvaotosten ja tilojen tunnelman kautta aikakauden merkittävistä tapahtumista.

Toiminnalliset näyttelyesineet tarjoavat vieraille mahdollisuuden kokeilla eri aikakausia aivan erityisellä tavalla. Täällä pääsee kokeilemaan, miltä tuntui Endla-teatterin parvekkeelta itsenäisyysjulistuksen lukeminen, voi pyöräillä menneisyydessä, pyörähtää tanssin pyörteissä tai liittyä mukaan Baltian ketjuun.

Linnan entisen kesäsalin seinillä voi ihailla Evald Okasin monumentaalista seinämaalausta ”Kansojen ystävyys”, jonka taiteilija maalasi vuonna 1987 Vallankumousmuseota varten. Teos kuuluu harvinaisiin vielä neuvostokaudella valmistuneisiin jättimaalauksiin, joka on säilynyt alkuperäisessä paikassaan. Kesäsalissa voi nyt tutustua seinämaalaukseen ja myös humoristiseen animaatioon, joka kertoo Maarjamäen linnan tarinan (viroksi, englanniksi ja venäjäksi).

Room 1 – Before the birth of the Republic of Estonia

The story begins with the winds of change in the 20th century, when changes reached the westernmost governorates of the Russian Empire – Estonia and Livonia. A group of Estonians emerges who start working towards autonomy. This culminates in the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Estonia on 23 February 1918 in Pärnu from the balcony of the Endla Theatre. Visitors can picture themselves on the balcony of the theatre and read the manifesto of independence.

Room 2 – Building the Republic of Estonia

The Republic was born in the midst of war. But once the medals have been awarded to heroes, the story becomes bright again as the war is over. Gradually, life gets better, the Estonian language starts to gain a foothold everywhere, new farmsteads appear, the country becomes a renowned exporter of butter and eggs. Visitors can go on a bike ride in Tallinn, Pärnu or Narva. Children can try to make a tower of eggs.

Room 3 - Life in the Republic of Estonia

A time of plenty, leisure and rest in the beautiful homeland, a break for many. Estonia’s own industry is getting on its feet. Visitors can experience the glamour of the 1930s and learn some fashionable dances. The first President moves into Kadriorg Palace.

Room 4 – World War II and the end of independence

The story continues in the grey tones of sorrow with a red hue. It is the end of the independent state, and many are forced to leave, or are taken away by force. People must survive in the changing occupations during WWII, in prison camps or as refugees. In war, it’s friend against friend, brother against brother.

Room 5 – Life in the Soviet Union

Nõukogude okupatsioon. Suletud piirid, pioneerid ja ühismajandid. Defitsiit ja tutvused. Hirm on. Nööbikaameraga KGB. Ka külastaja peab üle õla vaatama ega kuklas pole „suure venna“ silmi. Poes pole midagi aga sahver on täis. Kuskil siiski on maailm, kus kõlab „Mu isamaa on minu arm“, rock muusika ja letid on kaupa täis. On olemas ka need, kellele kehtiv kord ei meeldi. Ja samas nii armsalt tuttavad mummulised kuivainete topsid.

Room 6 - The rebirth of the Republic of Estonia

The people have had enough now. We join together, and there are a lot of us. The borders are cracking, and everything new and fancy is also reaching our shores. People are fighting in the phosphorite war, forming the Popular Front and Citizen’s committees. They are demanding freedom loudly. Visitors can stand in the Baltic Way. On 20 August 1991, the Republic of Estonia is restored again.

VII ruum – Elu ja võimalused noores riigis

Suddenly, there are so many options that it’s difficult to choose. The country is rebuilt again. Young politicians make bold decisions. Whoever disagrees can establish their own political party. Entrepreneurship is out of control, at times going beyond good business practices to the extent of cowboy capitalism. People can take out mortgages to create their dream home and protect it with a heavy security door.

Room 8 – Contemporary Estonia

The story reaches the modern day. Everything is in its place. The country has secured itself by becoming a member of several unions. Everyone knows what they want. The winners are prominent, the losers are finding it difficult to make their mark. There are real success stories, the internet, e-Estonia, start-ups. Baruto and Pärt. Organic produce and an increasing sense of community. It is also a time of sobering up. The economic crisis, dissatisfied people protesting. The people who were lost are visible again. Visitors need not worry, there is WiFi. There is nothing but the future ahead.