Photo Exhibition "Hidden Stories of the TV Tower"

Introduction to the TV Tower’s anniversary year

The photo exhibition “Hidden Stories of the TV Tower” kicks off the 45th anniversary year of Tallinn TV Tower. This exhibition acts as a visual time machine, taking visitors back in time while offering a fresh perspective on the tower’s significance in Estonian history. It’s an experience for anyone interested in architecture, history, or nostalgic and thought-provoking photography. Visitors will also gain insight into the photographer’s creative process and the role of documentary photography in preserving cultural and historical heritage.

The TV Tower itself is an important symbol for Tallinn and Estonia. Its construction was a significant achievement, demonstrating how engineering and architecture can create something timeless and inspiring. The exhibition “Hidden Stories of the TV Tower” offers a glimpse into the origins of this iconic landmark and its role in shaping our cultural narrative.

Visitor Information

• Location: Tallinn TV Tower, Kloostrimetsa tee 58a, Tallinn.
• Dates: January 5 – March 31, 2026.
• Tickets: Admission to the exhibition is included with a TV Tower ticket. Ticket prices are available on the TV Tower website.
  Free Admission: The exhibition is free for holders of the TV Tower annual pass.

Come and discover the stories that have remained hidden until now! The exhibition awaits you at the TV Tower, where history meets art, and every photo tells its own story.

Tallinn TV Tower is a landmark that shifts perspectives and creates unforgettable experiences.

Discover a unique historical perspective on the story of Tallinn TV Tower through the black-and-white photography of Mati Hiis! The exhibition “Hidden Stories of the TV Tower” opens a window to the world 45 years ago, bringing you never-before-seen images. This special exhibition unveils intimate moments from the construction and opening of the TV Tower, offering historical context and an emotional journey through time.

Unique Historical Photographs
Mati Hiis’s photos, captured during the construction and opening of the TV Tower, reflect the authenticity of the moments and highlight the contributions of builders and the atmosphere of the era. The images showcase workers at their tasks, various construction stages, and nostalgic scenes from the tower’s completion. Among the highlights are photos of the 1980 opening ceremony, where Soviet leaders and Estonian girls in traditional folk costumes share the stage—contrasting national pride with the complexities of a socialist state.

The photos, presented in black and white, possess a timeless charm, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow. These images reveal the human and historical stories behind the TV Tower’s construction and opening, offering glimpses into a past era that might be hard to imagine today.

Mati Hiis – A Lens Between History and the Present
The exhibition’s author, Mati Hiis (b. 1946), is an esteemed Estonian photographer whose lifelong dedication has left a profound mark on the history of Estonian photography. Mati received his first camera, a Smena, after finishing first grade, and it became his trusted companion. His professional career began in 1969 with a cover photo for the magazine Kehakultuur. From that moment, photography became his passion and career, spanning nearly four decades.

Mati Hiis has been repeatedly recognized as Estonia’s best sports and nature photographer. His works have adorned countless photo albums and books, highlighting the beauty of nature and the authenticity of life’s moments. Reflecting on his craft, Hiis has said: “You can’t turn back time; you can only anticipate it.” This philosophy shines through in his photographs, where each shot is meticulously planned and perfectly timed. Alongside technical precision, Hiis emphasizes the emotional aspect of photography, using his images to convey stories and evoke feelings that words cannot fully express.

Hiis’s work reveals beauty in seemingly ordinary moments, often returning to the same subject to capture the perfect light and composition. This persistence and passion have made him a photographer whose work carries profound emotion and historical significance.