The illustration exhibition City of Stories, which received a warm welcome while representing Estonia at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair this spring, was opened to the Estonian public on July 24. The exhibition showcases the diversity of Estonian illustration and animation and will be on display at the Estonian National Museum until August 27.
The exhibition explores the question: what kind of lives would book characters lead if they stepped out of the pages? “Some of them are waiting for love or searching for inspiration, others are sunbathing under an imaginary sun or chasing dust bunnies. One has yet to decide whether to sleep or dance. One is a rabbit, another a turtle, a third a famous composer,” says curator Bianka Soe, describing the characters released from the pages of books into the City of Stories. Visitors will encounter characters created by Estonian illustrators in a new and unexpected environment—without the support of text—ready for new adventures. At the same time, everyone is welcome to explore the children’s books these characters originally come from.
The exhibition was first displayed in Italy in spring 2025, when Estonia was the Guest of Honour at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. According to Soe, the exhibition was well received in Italy, and she is delighted that Estonian audiences can now experience it as well: “It was a joy to see how characters from Estonian children’s books sparked great interest and positive feedback in Italy. This proves that the work of our illustrators is distinctive and impactful even in an international context. I’m very grateful that the exhibition can now be shared with the Estonian public,” said curator Bianka Soe.
City of Stories will be open from July 24 to August 27 in the lobby area of the Hurda Hall at the Estonian National Museum. Admission is free.
Illustrators:
Katrin Ehrlich, Heiki Ernits, Anu Kalm, Kristi Kangilaski, Tiiu Kitsik, Karel Korp, Liisa Kruusmägi, Kadri-Maria Külaots, Madli Lavin, Regina Lukk-Toompere, Lumimari, Viive Noor, Sirly Oder, Eiko Ojala, Triin Paumer, Anne Pikkov, Marja-Liisa Plats, Priit Pärn, Piret Raud, Jaan Rõõmus, Ulla Saar, Pamela Samel, Elina Sildre, Joonas Sildre, Kertu Sillaste, Marju Tammik, Reda Tomingas, Kristina Tort, Urmas Viik, Catherine Zarip.
Animators:
Liisi Grünberg, Jaakop Ivask, Lyza Järvis, Uku Jürgenson, Rebeka Kruus, Elise Kruusel, Ida Lepparu, Kaimar Lomp, Cristo Madissoo, Eiko Ojala, Rael Pikkel, Piret Potter, Maria Rakitina, Lilli-Krõõt Repnau, Mia Rulli, Stella Salumaa, Kadi Sink, Kelly Tõnurist, Elli Zahradnikova.
The exhibition is produced by the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre. The curator is Bianka Soe. The design was created by Karin Tõugu and Triin Vaino (b210), and the graphic design was done by Stuudio Stuudio.
July 24 – August 27, 2025
Estonian National Museum, lobby of the Hurda Hall
Free admission!
