Street Art Murals In Tallinn Estonia: The Ultimate Guide
Are you on the hunt for an amazing background for your next viral Instagram post in Tallinn? Then make sure you stop in Tallinn’s refurbished creative city.
Also, you can check out other parts of Tallinn for the perfect photo opportunity. There are almost hundreds of scenic backdrops waiting to be discovered.
From my recent trip to Tallinn, I have been inspired to put the most impressive designs. I have researched the important artists who are behind the grand designs.
Ülemiste Girl, Von Bomb, 201
This is the largest mural in Estonia and the Baltic region and was one of the first painted murals in Tallinn. The large-scale image features a pale blue background. With a girl and red umbrella spanning across an old factory building.
Once the mural was completed it received a lot of media attention. The raindrops in the mural design represent Ülemist City very well.
The clever design shows 1, 560 ones and zeros, which is thought to be to decode Debora Vaarandi’s poems. Also, it fits well with several start-ups and IT companies.
Von Bomb (real name: Indrek Haas) is an Estonian stencil artist. Who gets his inspiration from street and pop art.
Also, there are other artists that contributed to the mural. They are Edgar Tedresaar, Martin Urb, Paavo Kulskepp, Taavi Kask and Alar Tuul.
Keep White Wishes In Your Black Box, Izak, 2015
This large mural has a blended pink and purple background. For me it is resembling the galaxy or space.
The main feature of Keep White Wishes In Your Black Box is a white cat with bright blue eyes and two fish skeletons. The story goes that the fish were eaten before by the cat.
There is a black box above the cat’s head. This is where the cat’s white wishes are coming from.
In this case, the white wishes are fish skeleton bones. The theme of the painting is displaying the need to think good thoughts even at bad times.
Izak is the famous artist who painted this street art mural. Izak is a street artist from Chile.
The well-travelled artist leaves a painting at every place he visits. There is evidence of his work in South America, Europe & other countries.
Dance of Death With Endel (Endel With A Stick), Edward von Longus, 2017
Endel is a traditional masculine Estonian name. Also, it is slang for selfie. The image is another stencil graffiti piece completed on a brick surface.
It shows a hipster taking a selfie with a skeleton. The artwork portrays a happy young man taking a photo with Death.
There is a story behind this image and how it came about is fascinating. The building that the artwork is on was due to be demolished. But the night before the planned demolition the image appeared.
Dance of Death With Endel was created by Edward Von Longus. Also known as Estonia’s Banksy, who is one of the most famous street artists in the world. His work can be found in Paris, London, Berlin, Budapest and other European cities.
Blue Deer, Sänk, 2017
The creation was made within the framework of the Mextonia Festival. It represents the joint symbolism between Estonia and Mexico.
There is a captivating blue deer as the main focal point surrounded by green cacti.
The Mexican ancient tribe of Huichol hunted blue deer. However, Estonians hunt for fern flowers, a flower that only blooms on Midsummer Night.
Prosperity, protection, and fertility are elements that are shared for both countries. Sänk is the mastermind behins this design, an Estonian street artist and art teacher from the region of Võru.
Woman, Hopare, 2014
This spectacular image is a realistic woman’s face. Woman is one of the most well-known street art murals in Tallinn.
There are striking lines and colours creating definition and depth in her face. The image was completed as part of the Street Art Jam series. The Street Art Jam is where famous artists showcased their quality street art and graffiti.
Alexandre Monterio, a talented French street mural artist painted Women Alexandre Monterio is also known as Hopare.
His work is based on chance encounters, a place or a specific event.
This woman on the wall is based on a real-life woman who is living in Tallinn whom he met as a random encounter. This mural fits the brief perfectly.
Dusk and Dawn, Reyben, 2017
Dusk and Dawn is a large mural with a wolf’s head in the centre. There are two colours based in the painting.
The wolf has two different coloured eyes. The first colour which is orange represents sunrise.
Blue is the second colour which represents darkening in the evening. The inspiration comes from a story on Midsummer Night, where two lovers meet which results in a new life.
The artist behind this street art mural is Reyben. Reyben is a Mexican street artist who uses stencil technique.
This artwork was completed as part of the Mextonia Street Art Festival. Also, Reyben usually displays societal issues or problems in his work.
Kalevipoeg’s First Flight, Cinzah, 2017
Kalevipoeg’s First Flight is another mural that scans the side of an old building. The main focal point is the bold eye-catching eagle which wings span the scale of the wall.
Kalevipoeg is Estonian national epic, who flew to Estonia on a majestic eagle.
The eagle has a deeper meaning and a greater representation. It is also a symbol of strength, leadership, and vision.
The mural has strong connections to the environment.
Cinzah is a New Zealand street artist. This mural was completed as part of the Mextonia Street Art Festival. The main topics he paints about are to symbolise storytelling and environmental issues.
St John’s Beetle of Good Luck, Boa Mistura, 2017
A main feature of the two artworks are two St John’s beetles. The beetles decide on good or bad luck depending on the direction of their flights.
The artwork displays the balance between fortune and the forces of nature according to Estonian tradition. Also, it shows the connection through symbolism of the cosmos, Earth, Moon and Sun.
This is another street mural that was completed as part of the Mextonia Street Art Festival.
Boa Mistura is a Spanish graffiti group. The group have been transforming outdoor spaces since 2001. They have carried out projects in South Africa, the USA, the UK, Brazil, Mexico, Georgia and Chile.
Squirrel, Boraldo, 2016
The artwork consists of a large flying squirrel eating a small snack.
Squirrels are endangered in Estonia. Thus there has been good publicity and awareness.
The 8-meter high design has had recognition from the Estonian Ministry of Environment. Hopefully, this will help the awareness to protect the squirrels.
Artur Bordalo is a 32 year old gifted Portuguese artist that makes a series of artworks from rubbish. The mural was completed as part of the JJ-street Baltic session: Street Art Jam 2016.
Kalvipoeg, Bonar, 2016
The huge wall art is inspired by the Estonian epic poem of Kalevipoeg. Kalevipoeg was a vengeful giant who battles enemies of the nation and who was a historic national hero.
Kalevipoeg is the protector of Estonia and the symbol of strength.
The artist behind this painting is Oliver Bonard. Olivier Bonard is a surrealist painter based in Montreal.
He creates dark and captivating mythologies, enticing the viewer to explore with their imaginations. Bonar has created pieces in Mexico, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris and London.
Visit the Cultural Kilometre (Kultuurikilomeetur)
There is a trip with the name of the collection of art. As the Cultural Kilometre is not one kilometre but 2.5 kilometres.
There is a stretch of displays. Including a range of small and medium street art and graffiti scenes.
The cultural corridor runs from Linnahall Ruin west to Kalassadama Street. Make sure you search for crafty graffiti works at the cruise ship harbour and patarei prison.
The Culture Kilometer represents the power of nature. Also, the painted mythical creatures represent the link between Mexico and Estonia.
Several artists were involved as part of the Mexitonia Street Art Festival. Artists from around the world included, Jorge Peralta Galindo and Sens. As well as Ariadna Galez, Abril Pequeros and Helana Hanni.
Street Art in Estonia
There are other locations in Estonia that showcase amazing street art. Tartu was one of the first cities in the country to publish the magnificent graffiti walls.
Tartu is known for being home to one of the largest universities in the world. Also, it has earned a distinction for the UNESCO City of Literature.
Tartu is becoming just like other cities of Literature towns. Other UNESCO City of Literature towns include Manchester, Melbourne and Reykjavik.
Final Note
Street Art in Tallinn began during the Baltic sessions in 2016. At first, the aim of the festival was to showcase dance. Yet, it also involved ‘wall cleaning’ activities and graffiti.
Afterwards, Tallinn got serious about street art in 2017 due to the Mextonia Festival. The Mextonia Festival was a gift from Mexico to represent its 100th anniversary.
During the festival, Mexico gave Estonia thirty new murals. Thus, there was so many murals to find. I have realised there is still so much to see. So another trip is definitely on the cards!
While researching for this article, I stumbled across the Visit Tallinn Map. The Tallinn map was made with the Mextonia Festival.
The festival was a great way to bring artists, people and culture together. The artwork resembles love for humanity, cultural diversity and pride.
You can guide yourself around the city by yourself. A lot of the artworks are huge and easy to find.
Street art is easy to self-guide. But if you are looking for something in particular or not the best with directions. You can always book a Street Art Tour.
Tallinn Q&A
Is Tallinn Worth Visiting?
Yes, I would highly recommend Tallinn to a solo traveler. It is also the perfect city for anyone.
Tallinn felt like a safe city. There is so much to do. You can walk down the cobbled streets in the old town.
Look for art murals in the creative city. Or, try the cool cafes in the hipster neighbourhoods of Kalamaja. It is a perfect location for a weekend away.
How long do You Need to Visit Tallinn?
You can comfortably get around Tallinn in two days. It depends on how long your itinerary is.
If you wish to see everything and maybe take a day trip to Helsinki. You might need three to four days.
Do They Speak English In Tallinn?
Yes, many people who work in the tourism or hospitality sector do speak English.
Yet, as you move out of Tallinn into the countryside. You will find more people who speak Estonia.
Other languages in Estonia are Russian, Finnish, German, French and Swedish.
How Expensive is Tallinn?
Tallinn is becoming one of the more expensive European countries. Transportation can cost up to 9 euros a day.
Also, the Hotel for one night is around 60 euros. An alcoholic drink ranges from 5 euros to 10 euros. Moreover, meals for one day would cost 25 euros.
Getting Around
The main way I got around was using an Uber. It is a small city thus you are not paying for large distances.
Also, you can get a bus, where transportation will cost you approximately nine euros a day. Or, you can walk.
The longest stretch of walking we had to do was for half an hour between our destinations.
If you find somewhere to stay in the Old Town you will have most of the attractions on your doorstep.
Tallinn’s street art is one of the best in the world. There is so much to see and it is full of character.
Hopefully, the city will plan to expand the collection soon.