Taking advantage of the heritage buildings of a former fish processing complex, Viinistu Art Museum presents one of the most distinctive private art collections in Estonia, spanning from Baltic-German heritage and the Pallas school to contemporary practices.
Between 2020 and 2023, NOBA developed and implemented the curatorial strategy for the renewal of the museum’s permanent exhibition, introducing a new structural and narrative approach to the collection. The renewed display, From Köler to von Lõngus, repositioned the collection within a broader art historical and contemporary dialogue.
As part of this collaboration, NOBA also conceived and established the Eduard Wiiralt Hall, creating a dedicated environment for presenting one of Estonia’s most significant graphic artists.
In parallel, NOBA initiated a new exhibition format focused on artists’ studio environments, first realised through the Jüri Arrak studio installation, introducing a more process-based and immersive layer into the museum context.
During this period, the museum also experienced a significant increase in visitor numbers — from 6,520 visitors in 2019 to over 12,000 by 2023. While Viinistu operates primarily as a seasonal destination, with peak activity during the summer months alongside restaurant and theatre programmes, this growth reflects the impact of the renewed curatorial direction introduced by NOBA.
While the museum’s exhibitions continue to evolve over time, the curatorial framework, structural logic and key exhibition concepts introduced during 2020–2023 were developed by NOBA.
BARREL GALLERIES
The Barrel Galleries, located in former water tanks, function as a unique exhibition environment within the Viinistu complex.
Between 2020 and 2023, NOBA developed the curatorial concept and exhibition programme for the summer seasons, establishing a framework that combined historical perspective with contemporary exhibition-making.
A key focus of the programme was the presentation of recognised Estonian artists and the introduction of important artistic movements and groups, addressing a relative lack of visibility of such narratives within Estonian art history.
Within this framework, NOBA curated and organised exhibitions featuring both established artists and historically significant groupings, including:
These exhibitions established the Barrel Galleries as a programme-driven curatorial platform connecting historical context with contemporary approaches.
NOBA’S ROLE
NOBA’s collaboration with Viinistu Art Museum between 2020 and 2023 was both strategic and curatorial, shaping the conceptual framework of exhibitions and contributing to the museum’s development as a contemporary art destination.
Subsequent developments at the museum have evolved independently, while the initial curatorial direction and key exhibition concepts remain grounded in NOBA’s contribution.
