The new temporary exhibition of the Estonian Museum of Natural History confronts visitors with extreme weather phenomena, climate change, and possible future scenarios. It is one of the first exhibitions in Estonia to offer such a comprehensive insight into the future climate world. The exhibition is also the most participatory one the museum has created to date — it is made for young people and together with young people.
According to the 2025 Eurobarometer survey, Estonians are the least likely among Europeans to consider climate change a serious problem. In global climate debates, several opposing viewpoints collide: climate change is seen primarily as human-induced and caused by CO₂ emissions; the role of natural factors, cosmic processes, and solar activity is emphasized; at the same time, some believe that the climate does not change at all or that any changes are insignificant and temporary. The confrontation between these positions is often intense and polarizing.
For this reason, it is especially important to tell a balanced climate story that helps people understand these phenomena based on scientific facts and does not exacerbate climate anxiety.
The first temporary exhibition of the renewed Estonian Museum of Natural History, working title “Exhibition of Futures” focuses in a 900-square-metre exhibition hall on the multifaceted and interconnected nature of climate change and offers visitors a science-based climate narrative that also addresses the emotions arising from the climate crisis. We encourage visitors to seek solutions and ways of adapting in a changing world — creating a space where each visitor can clearly experience their own role as a shaper of change in the midst of a complex problem.
The exhibition will open in 2027 and will remain open until the end of 2028.
Exhibition curators: Ulla Villem, Creative Director of Exhibition Projects at the Natural History Museum; Anete Altrov, museum educator and recipient of the Young Nature Conservationist Award; Kairi Põldsaar (PhD), Head Specialist in Geology at the Department of Geology, Tallinn University and Content Lead of the exhibition; and Arko Olesk (PhD), Science Adviser to the President of the Republic and Senior Research Fellow in Science Communication at Tallinn University.
Exhibition concept “Vortex”
The exhibition concept competition was won by the joint bidders architecture office b210 and Valge Kuup Studio with the concept “Vortex.” The authors of the concept are Karin Tõugu, Nele Šverns, Kristi Rummel-Kottisse, Mai Bauvald, Mikk Meelak, Brit Pavelson, Neeme Külm and Jaana Jüris.
The winning concept is inspired by the vortex of a cyclonic air mass that draws the entire space into its movement. Visitors enter the vortex, which guides them through the exhibition’s themes: weather, climate, future scenarios, as well as solutions and strategies for adaptation. The layers of the vortex form the exhibition environment, creating a spatial and visual experience while structuring the space between different themes and exhibits.
When evaluating the winning proposal, the jury noted that the concept connects the themes of weather, climate and societal future solutions into a coherent experiential journey, enabling the creation of an exhibition that resonates with visitors, remains memorable and has meaningful societal impact.
Collaboration with the Youth Council and Expert Council
The exhibition is primarily designed for young people who are seeking to better understand weather and climate issues and explore possible solutions and guidance for the future. For this reason, the exhibition is being developed in close collaboration with a 13-member youth council. The contribution of young people helps shape the exhibition’s content and focus so that science-based climate topics speak to their peers and offer them clear opportunities for action.
Addressing climate change requires the integration of multiple perspectives. Therefore, an interdisciplinary expert council has also been established to support the preparation of the exhibition. The council includes scientists, a designer, a psychologist, a politician and other specialists who support the curatorial team in creating a meaningful and impactful exhibition experience.
Cooperation with SEB Estonia
In the course of preparing the exhibition, the Estonian Museum of Natural History and SEB signed a cooperation agreement under which the bank supports the creation of the exhibition both financially and with professional expertise. SEB’s contribution is one of the largest private-sector supports the museum has received to date.
Peep Jalakas, Member of the Management Board of SEB, noted that the bank wishes to contribute with its knowledge and support to a more sustainable future for Estonia and society. “Adapting to climate change affects people, businesses, and communities alike. The connection between financial literacy, long-term decision-making, and the environment is clear, and it is through educational initiatives like this that we can reach solutions. This is a project whose long-term positive impact we strongly believe in. Only in this way can we preserve Estonia’s beautiful and clean living environment,” said Jalakas.
LIFE SIP AdaptEST project
The exhibition is being developed within the LIFE-SIP AdaptEST project, led by the Ministry of Climate.
More information can be found on the project’s website.
