“A Century on Estonian Radio. The First Decades” exhibition, open on the 2nd floor of the Tallinn TV Tower, takes visitors back to the early years of Estonian radio history, from 1924 to 1940. It was a time when radio was a groundbreaking innovation and a true window to the world, broadening horizons, bringing information and culture into homes, and quickly becoming an essential part of everyday life.

In 1924, the first officially recognized experimental radio broadcast was made from Haapsalu, the Estonian Radio Club was established, the Tartu Telephone Factory began industrial production of radio receivers, and the company Radio-Ringhääling was founded.

By the end of 1925, there were nearly 2,000 radio sets in Estonian homes. Broadcasting schedules in Estonia were modern and forward-looking, and radio sets made in Estonia — known for their distinctive design — remain a valued part of the country’s industrial and cultural heritage to this day.

The exhibition can be visited with a Tallinn TV Tower admission ticket. You can buy your ticket from our online store.

What will you see at the exhibition?

The exhibition focuses on the first decades of Estonian radio and broadcasting before the Second World War. It was an era marked by rapid technological progress, new opportunities, and remarkable individuals who helped lay the foundations of Estonian broadcasting.

On display are elegant examples of 1930s Estonian radio design, including radio sets such as Agu, Maestro, Siiri, Sheik, Türkiis, Taara and Maret. Visitors can also explore antiques, period interior details, radio magazines, and excerpts from historical radio sales catalogues.

Among the exhibition’s rarest objects are personal belongings of two important pioneers of Estonian radio: Fred Olbrei and Felix Moor. From 1927 onwards, Fred Olbrei served on the board of Radio-Ringhääling and was also one of the founders and board members of the Radio Electrotechnical Factory RET. Felix Moor was a broadcaster from 1927 to 1944, Estonia’s first radio reporter, editor and presenter, as well as the initiator of radio plays and children’s programs.

The exhibition also features an authentic radio listening corner inspired by the early 20th century — just the kind that could have been found in Estonian homes in the 1930s. This cosy period setting on the 2nd floor of the Tallinn TV Tower allows visitors to step into the atmosphere of the time and also offers the perfect spot for retro-style photos.

Part of the 100th anniversary year of Estonian Broadcasting

The exhibition “A Century on Estonian Radio. The First Decades” celebrates the 100th anniversary of Estonian Broadcasting and brings a valuable piece of Estonia’s media and cultural history to visitors at the Tallinn TV Tower.

Team and supporters

The exhibition has been created in cooperation with the Estonian Broadcasting Museum, the Energy Discovery Centre, Juhan Sihver and Aare Baumer. The exhibition is curated by Kertu Saks.

Location: 2nd floor of the Tallinn TV Tower.

You can find an overview of the exhibition opening through the lenses of photographers Stanislav Moškov and Reet Truu in the gallery.