Tallinn's Parking Lot Transforms Into a Bold New Art Exhibition Space

A new 'drive-in' art exhibition has opened in an unusual location—a parking lot beneath Freedom Square in Tallinn. The display features works by two well-known Estonian sculptors, Edith Karlson and Jass Kaselaan. Organisers hope the event will bring creativity into everyday public spaces.

The project is part of a wider effort by construction company Merko to integrate art into Tallinn's urban environment. Over 20 sculptures and installations by various Estonian artists have been placed across the city in recent years. This latest exhibition aims to make art more accessible while enriching shared living spaces.

The parking lot setting was chosen deliberately to challenge traditional ideas about where art belongs. Jass Kaselaan, one of the featured artists, finds the unconventional location intriguing. His works on display include Seitse hiirt (Seven Mice) and Nemad ja mina (Them and Me), both known for their playful yet thought-provoking styles.

Edith Karlson's contributions include Keha ja vaim (Body and Spirit), a piece exploring physical and emotional duality, and a series of child-sized ghost figures titled Draama on sinu peas (The Drama Is in Your Head). Her sculptures often blend surrealism with human themes, creating striking visual contrasts.

The exhibition aligns with a broader vision for Tallinn's public spaces. Mayor Peeter Raudsepp has stressed that urban areas should offer more than just practical functions—they should provide meaningful experiences. Jaan Mae, head of Merko Eesti, shares this view, arguing that well-designed environments should evoke positive emotions and leave lasting impressions.

Merko has been actively commissioning artworks for years, placing them in high-traffic areas around the city. While this particular exhibition is temporary, the company's long-term goal is to embed creativity into Tallinn's daily life. The parking lot event offers a fresh way for residents and visitors to engage with local art without stepping into a gallery.

The exhibition will remain open for several weeks, giving people a chance to experience sculpture in a setting they might not expect. By bringing art into a functional space like a parking lot, the organisers hope to spark conversations about how cities can blend creativity with everyday routines.

For the artists involved, the project also provides a platform to reach wider audiences. With Merko's continued support, similar initiatives could become a regular feature of Tallinn's cultural landscape.