At the end of May, Estonia-Swedes will arrive at the safe harbour of the Estonian National Museum

On 25 May, the Estonian National Museum opens a new exhibition titled “Rannarootslased. Estlandssvenskar. Estonia-Swedes”.   This is the most extensive and comprehensive exhibition to date, focusing on the cultural heritage of Estonia-Swedes and their community’s journey from the 20th century to the present day. 

The Estonia-Swedes have lived on Estonian coasts and islands for centuries, according to written sources, since at least the 13th century, and have become a distinctive part of the country’s diverse cultural landscape. The chief curator of the exhibition Kristel Rattus emphasises that the Coastal Swedish culture changed and evolved at the same pace as the rest of Estonia. A major shift occurred during the Second World War, when a large number of Estonia-Swedes fled to Sweden. ‘This event often marks the end of the historical narrative for Estonia-Swedes, as though the culture had ceased to exist,’ says Rattus. ‘Indeed, many assimilated after the war, but memories were still passed on and today the descendants of Estonia-Swedes live in both Estonia and Sweden.’ For many, these roots come as a surprise – sometimes only uncovered through genealogical research. ‘Who knows, maybe someone will discover their Coastal Swedish heritage at this ENM exhibition – through a familiar object, a grandparent’s story, or the discovery of a family tradition’s origin,’ suggests the curator. ‘Fortunately, there are still those who wish to preserve and further develop Estonian Swedish cultural heritage by organising community days as well as song and dance festivals in western Estonia,’ she adds.  

The exhibition focuses on the life, language, traditions, and community spirit of the Swedish-speaking minority. It also examines how the disruption caused by the Second World War affected the community’s fate and explores the signs of cultural continuity among Estonia-Swedes today. 

The exhibition is multilayered and visually captivating – it reveals the rhythms of everyday life, the changing seasons and regional features, set against the boundless sea that both offers freedom and imposes limits. The display includes numerous objects that tell compelling stories, archival materials, photographs, and personal recollections. Visitors gain insight into cultural memory, identity, and how this historic Estonian minority community has managed to preserve its essence despite historical turmoil.

The exhibition will be open at the Estonian National Museum from 25 May 2025 until 28 June 2026.

Exhibition curators: Anu Järs, Tiina Kull, Reet Mark, Reet Piiri, Kristel Rattus, Mariliis Vaks (Estonian National Museum); Jorma Friberg, Anu Raagmaa (Museum of Coastal Swedes); Sofia Joons (University of Tartu); Hele Kiimann (Estonian Maritime Museum)

Designer: Iir Hermeliin

Audiovisual works: Madis Katz; Maido Selgmäe (ERM)  

Graphic design: Katrin Leement

Interactive touchscreen displays: Mikk Meelak (Platform)

Visual identity and catalogue design: Marje and Martin Eelma (Tuumik Stuudio)

Producer: Reet Mark

This exhibition and the publication of its catalogue have been supported by the Cultural Autonomy of Estonia-Swedes, Estonia-Swedes’ Cultural Association SOV, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia, the Estonian Folk Culture Centre’s programme for the traditional culture of the islands and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.

More information about the exhibition and the public programme can be found at https://www.erm.ee/et/rannarootslased