Exhibitions and other events to mark the anniversary

Estonian contemporary art in the main building of the European Central Bank

In 2018, Eesti Pank helped to organise an exhibition of Estonian contemporary art in the foyer of the main building of the European Central Bank. The exhibition was on display for three months, from June to September. At the opening event on June 27, welcoming addresses were given by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB, and Ardo Hansson, Governor of Eesti Pank.

‘This wonderful initiative by the European Central Bank allows us to act as ambassadors abroad for Estonian art. The Republic of Estonia is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and next year Eesti Pank will be 100. We are very pleased to mark both of those important dates with this exhibition,” said Mr Hansson.

Eesti Pank supported the transport of the works of art to Frankfurt and back. The works exhibited were selected by the ECB Art Committee based on the curator’s proposals. The display included works by 14 artists:  Merike Estna, Kristi Kongi, Marko Mäetamm, Kaido Ole, Laura Põld, Paul Kuimet, Krista Mölder, Marge Monko, Sigrid Viir, Katja Novitskova, Kris Lemsalu, Flo Kasearu, Kristina Õllek & Kert Viiart and Taavi Suisalu. Around 50 works were displayed all in all, including paintings, photos and sculptures as well as digital and mixed media art.

Eesti kunsti näituse avamine EKP-s

Exhibition “The Art of Money” at Mikkel Museum

The exhibition held at the Mikkel Museum of the Art Museum of Estonia from December 2018 to March 2019 told the story of Estonian money design through the century. The exhibition was accompanied by the book “The Art of Money and Estonia 1918–2018”. The exhibition also featured an educational programme for all ages, curator-led tours and evening conversations on art and money.

Näituse "Rahakunst" avamine Mikkeli muuseumis

EXHIBITIONS BY NUMISMATISTS

During 2019, Eesti Pank Museum holds six displays of treasures from private numismatic collections. The exhibitions feature the birth of Estonian own currencies, scrip money, coins in jewellery, error money and thematic collections.

  • January 18 – February 16 Tsarist-Era Scrip Coins

The exhibition features the highlights from the collection of Kaupo Laan. Scrip coins are locally issued tokens that only have value in a few limited locations or businesses. The coins on show include some of the rarest objects in his collection, token coins used in Estonia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. There are those from the Kreenholm Manufactory, the Tartu Taara Selts and Union Reval sports clubs, and the Consumverein Dorpat consumers’ association in Tartu.

  • February 24 – March 23 The Beginnings of Estonia’s Own Money

The exhibition shows rarities from the collections of Arvo-Mart Elvisto and Tõnu Karu, featuring the birth of Estonia’s own currencies.

  • April 5 – 27 Estonian Paper Scrip Money from the 19th and 20th Century

The exhibition features rare examples of scrip, i.e. paper tokens issued by a company or a city for local circulation, from the collections of Tõnu Karu and Ago Kõrv. The items on display include the tokens of several major manufacturing companies of the time (Võisiku glass and mirror factory, Port-Kunda cement factory, Kreenholm Textile Factory in Narva, etc).

  • June 7 – August 31 Coin Jewellery

The exhibition is created in cooperation with the Estonian National Museum, who has contributed a selection of jewellery adorned with real and imitation coins.

  • September 20 – October 26 Error Money

The joint exhibition by Kaupo Laan, Arvo-Mart Elvisto and other numismatists features error money, i.e. notes with printing faults.

  • November 1 – 30 Coin Collecting by Themes

The exhibition presents a display of thematic sections from the collection of Kaimar Ilves, featuring lynxes, national flags and sports on precious metal coins, as well as the precious metal coins used in Estonia in the 18th century.

POP-UP EXHIBITION

The pop-up exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of Eesti Pank by explaining in simple terms and attractive visuals how the role and functions of the central bank have changed in the century. Many things have changed indeed. In the early years, everybody could open an account with Eesti Pank, or buy the shares and become an owner of the central bank. Now the main mission of Eesti Pank is to safeguard the stability of the whole euro area, along with other central banks that make up the Eurosystem. The set-up of the exhibition imitates the central bank quarter in Tallinn. A brief overview is provided of the history of the buildings where Eesti Pank started its activities in 1919 and where it is still located today.

OPEN DOORS DAY

For one day, the central bank opens its doors to welcome people who would like to know more about the tasks of the central bank, to meet with the people who work there and to see the anniversary exhibition. The event is set to take place in the autumn of 2019.

FAMILY DAY

Family days have become annual highlights for the central bank museum. Children and adults alike are welcome to discover the fascinating world of money. This year being the centenary year of the central bank, we have even more surprises in store than usual!

MUSEUM NIGHT

On May 18, everyone is welcome to Eesti Pank Museum to enjoy the Museum Night, made more special this year as Eesti Pank celebrates its 100th anniversary.