On Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 4 p.m., the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre will open its new illustration exhibition “Mycology, or the Secret Life of Fungi”. The exhibition invites schoolchildren and all other visitors to discover the fascinating world of fungi. A playful environment and an engaging educational program have been created around the works of Estonian book artists. School groups can take part in the program until November 14, 2025.
This autumn, a moss-covered mushroom forest will spring up inside the Centre, decorated with illustrations by 26 Estonian book artists. The exhibition space was designed by artist Kristel Maamägi in collaboration with Tiia Mets. The lush moss carpets were crafted by several staff members of the centre, who have been working on them since the beginning of the year. Adding to the whimsical atmosphere are crocheted mushrooms peeking out from the moss.
“The illustrators’ works depict mushrooms from surprisingly different perspectives – sometimes playfully, sometimes mysteriously. These images create an atmosphere in the exhibition hall that blends beautifully with the surrounding design. Together, they form a whole where art and space speak in unison,” said exhibition curator Viive Noor.
Participating illustrators: Made Balbat, Katrin Ehrlich, Kadri Ilves, Tiiu Kitsik, Tuulike Kivestu, Maria Kooskora, Kadi Kurema, Anne Linnamägi, Olivia Lipartia, Regina Lukk-Toompere, Liina Maadla, Jüri Mildeberg, Piret Mildeberg, Viive Noor, Sirly Oder, Anne Pikkov, Tiina Mariam Reinsalu, Liis Roden, Kadri Roosi, Kaia Rähn, Ulla Saar, Maris Siimer, Elina Sildre, Catherine Zarip, Reda Tomingas, and Maarja Vannas.
The exhibition is accompanied by an educational program that takes children on a journey into the hidden life of mushrooms. During the one-hour session, every child can step into the role of “Mushroom-Miku,” learn to recognize Estonia’s most common mushroom species, listen to amusing mushroom poems, and create their own mushroom craft. Tasks and activities throughout the program help children better understand and remember what they see and hear.
“We hope children will discover how exciting and diverse the world of fungi is, and realize how art can open up nature in a completely new way,” said Katrin Tõnisson, Program Manager at the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre.
The educational program is designed for preschoolers and grades 1–4. Participation fee: €7 per child. School groups are welcome by pre-registration. Individual visitors may explore the exhibition free of charge during the Centre’s opening hours (Mon–Fri 10–18; Sat 10–16), when no program sessions are taking place.
In addition, the traditional Mushroom Exhibition, now in its 63rd edition, will be open at the Estonian Museum of Natural History, located near the Children’s Literature Centre, from September 11–21. Visitors can explore the rich diversity of mushrooms found in Estonian forests, including edible, inedible, and poisonous species. Open daily 10–18 with a museum ticket.
Practical information
Location: Estonian Children’s Literature Centre (Pikk 73, Tallinn)
Dates: September 9 – November 29, 2025 (exhibition); September 9 – November 14, 2025 (educational program)
Educational program participation fee: €7 per child
Exhibition visit for individual visitors: free of charge
Registration: katrin.tonisson@elk.ee
More information
Katrin Tõnisson – Educational Program
Program Manager, Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
tel. +372 617 7233
Viive Noor – Illustration Exhibition
Art Expert, Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
tel. +372 5557 9930
Illustration by Liina Maadla
