Who Claims the Night?
The exhibition is open from 17 February 2024 to 24 February 2025.
The Glimmer and Gloom of Estonian Urban Life After Dark
If darkness was endlessly temporal,
we would never see the light of the sun.
But standing forever in the sun
would bereave us of life in the night.
Arno Vihalemm, ‘Alveri ainetel’ (‘After Alver’)
In 2024, the Estonian National Museum will shine a light on city life at night. The exhibition ‘Who Claims the Night?’ explores how people have experienced the night in Estonian cities in the past, and delves into the multitude of meanings of the contemporary night.
Nighttime has rarely been examined as a factor shaping our behaviour. As a result, life at night has hardly ever been studied and recorded. One of the reasons for this is, naturally, darkness, which limits the technical possibilities for recording the nighttime environment. Moreover, darkness tends to give people a sense of anonymity and increased freedom, making them less keen to expose themselves to the researcher’s gaze and recording devices.
Throughout history, night life has been shaped by power and culture. The mediaeval Tallinn locked its gates against the dangers lurking in the night, and sent all townspeople home in the evening without exception, to allow them to wake up rested in the morning. Just 150 or so years ago, the streets were shrouded in darkness, wolves howled in the suburbs... The only ones moving around were the night watchmen tasked with maintaining order and disciplining nightgoers, if necessary. Modern cities and towns, in contrast, are always awake, providing necessary services and diverse forms of cultural life throughout the night.
On the one hand, night life in cities is perceived as a problem and a danger, something to be regulated using laws and restrictions. On the other hand, however, nighttime is perceived as a time of freedom and entertainment, and a different sort of space-time compared to the day. Night life involves sensual pleasures, experimentation, creativity – but also danger and the breaking of rules. The city has its own rhythm and atmosphere at night that has inspired countless artists, writers, and musicians. The night is an exciting and many-sided environment.
Lead curator: Karin Leivategija
Co-curators: Inna Jürjo, Aet Kuusik, Anu Kannike, Meeri Ott, Riho Paramonov, Oskar Poll, Rebeka Põldsam, Lauri Suurmaa, Katrin Tiidenberg
Exhibition designer: Emma Eensalu
Assistant artist: Silver Rannak
Exhibition team (Estonian National Museum): Laura Kipper, Viljar Pohhomov, Lauri Tamm, Tiit Sibul, Piret Simson, Reet Mark, Arvi Tragel, Ülle Jäe, Kristiina Piirisild, Eve Keedus, Karl-Erik Hiiemaa, Mirjam Ruutma, Karoliine Bürkland, Silli Peedosk, Eve Kasearu, Kadri Tomasson, Kersti Kilk, Pihel Prants, Taavi Toom, Oliver Kulpsoo, Avo Anni, Kristjan Käkki, Aivi Jürgenson
Sound artists: Mihkel Maripuu, Taavi Tulev
Light artists: Mikk-Mait Kivi, Oliver Kulpsoo
Video- and sound installation “Finally Dance”: Mikk-Mait Kivi ja Mihkel Maripuu
Short film “Night of Purple Horrors”: Kadri Nikopensius, Rebeka Põldsam, Aet Kuusik
Street artist: Sänk (Danil Taro)
Production: Fratelli Grupi OÜ, Futuremedia OÜ, Salibar OÜ, Swat Systems OÜ
Installers: Piret Hirv, Kristiina Laurits, Eve Margus, Villu Plink
Prop master: Kaie Uustal
Editor: Karin Kastehein
Translations: tõlkebüroo Avatar
Nightlife map: Mobi Lab OÜ
Consultants: Tomas Alexandersson (The Tallinn Collector), Hilkka Hiiop
Our thanks to everyone who contributed to the preparation and success of the exhibition.
Attention! The exhibition also deals with sexuality, nudity and violence. We recommend that children watch the exhibition with an adult.
Nighttime has rarely been examined as a factor shaping our behaviour. As a result, life at night has hardly ever been studied and recorded. One of the reasons for this is, naturally, darkness, which limits the technical possibilities for recording the nighttime environment. Moreover, darkness tends to give people a sense of anonymity and increased freedom, making them less keen to expose themselves to the researcher’s gaze and recording devices.
Throughout history, night life has been shaped by power and culture. The mediaeval Tallinn locked its gates against the dangers lurking in the night, and sent all townspeople home in the evening without exception, to allow them to wake up rested in the morning. Just 150 or so years ago, the streets were shrouded in darkness, wolves howled in the suburbs... The only ones moving around were the night watchmen tasked with maintaining order and disciplining nightgoers, if necessary. Modern cities and towns, in contrast, are always awake, providing necessary services and diverse forms of cultural life throughout the night.
On the one hand, night life in cities is perceived as a problem and a danger, something to be regulated using laws and restrictions. On the other hand, however, nighttime is perceived as a time of freedom and entertainment, and a different sort of space-time compared to the day. Night life involves sensual pleasures, experimentation, creativity – but also danger and the breaking of rules. The city has its own rhythm and atmosphere at night that has inspired countless artists, writers, and musicians. The night is an exciting and many-sided environment.
Lead curator: Karin Leivategija
Co-curators: Inna Jürjo, Aet Kuusik, Anu Kannike, Meeri Ott, Riho Paramonov, Oskar Poll, Rebeka Põldsam, Lauri Suurmaa, Katrin Tiidenberg
Exhibition designer: Emma Eensalu
Assistant artist: Silver Rannak
Exhibition team (Estonian National Museum): Laura Kipper, Viljar Pohhomov, Lauri Tamm, Tiit Sibul, Piret Simson, Reet Mark, Arvi Tragel, Ülle Jäe, Kristiina Piirisild, Eve Keedus, Karl-Erik Hiiemaa, Mirjam Ruutma, Karoliine Bürkland, Silli Peedosk, Eve Kasearu, Kadri Tomasson, Kersti Kilk, Pihel Prants, Taavi Toom, Oliver Kulpsoo, Avo Anni, Kristjan Käkki, Aivi Jürgenson
Sound artists: Mihkel Maripuu, Taavi Tulev
Light artists: Mikk-Mait Kivi, Oliver Kulpsoo
Video- and sound installation “Finally Dance”: Mikk-Mait Kivi ja Mihkel Maripuu
Short film “Night of Purple Horrors”: Kadri Nikopensius, Rebeka Põldsam, Aet Kuusik
Street artist: Sänk (Danil Taro)
Production: Fratelli Grupi OÜ, Futuremedia OÜ, Salibar OÜ, Swat Systems OÜ
Installers: Piret Hirv, Kristiina Laurits, Eve Margus, Villu Plink
Prop master: Kaie Uustal
Editor: Karin Kastehein
Translations: tõlkebüroo Avatar
Nightlife map: Mobi Lab OÜ
Consultants: Tomas Alexandersson (The Tallinn Collector), Hilkka Hiiop
Our thanks to everyone who contributed to the preparation and success of the exhibition.
Attention! The exhibition also deals with sexuality, nudity and violence. We recommend that children watch the exhibition with an adult.
