Fotografiska Tallinn Opens a Major Space Exhibition

As autumn approaches, Fotografiska Tallinn turns its gaze to the stars and presents the major exhibition SPACE – A Visual Journey. On the edge of the sky, art and science meet, intertwining research and artistic creation – the grandeur of the universe is captured through the lens of astronomers and the interpretations of artists. Through the perspectives of 14 artists, profound questions arise: who are we in this eternal world, and who is even allowed to dream of the future? 

Opening on September 13, the exhibition brings together internationally acclaimed artists as well as scientists and engineers, including some directly connected to real space missions. German artist Michael Najjar, set to fly into space next year as a future Virgin Galactic astronaut, bases his practice on real technological advances and collaborations with space agencies, astronauts, and researchers. Irish artist Rhiannon Adam was the only queer woman selected for Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa’s SpaceX project, which aimed to send civilians around the Moon for the first time. Until now, only American men have seen that view up close; Adam would have been the first woman to orbit the Moon. The mission’s cancellation in 2024 left her years of preparation suspended — an experience now captured in her award-winning project, which raises a pressing social question: who gets to dream of the future? Also featured are renowned Swedish artist Cecilia Ömalm and astronomer Göran Östlin, a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, who present a joint art-science project. Nigerian-American multimedia creator Mikael Owunna explores intersections between science, art, and African cosmologies, while Slovenian artist Matjaž Tančič documents communities living in desert simulations of Mars to prepare for real planetary missions. 

The exhibition’s 14 artists also include Estonian artist Ivar Veermäe, whose multipart project spans a video on nuclear fusion alongside solar photographs transformed by biological processes to reveal the subtle traces of microscopic life. Finnish artist Petri Eskelinen moves between science and science fiction with video works that draw attention to a pressing question for future space exploration: if humanity ventures into space, how can we take plants with us – and how might they grow in zero gravity? 

Fotografiska in Tallinn’s Telliskivi Creative City is a contemporary cultural venue where photography, art, and culture meet. Open late into the evening, the house hosts three to four diverse exhibitions at a time. Each year, Fotografiska brings more than ten exhibitions across different photographic genres and artists to Estonian audiences. Ticket prices are flexible and vary by day and time. Children and young people up to 15 (incl.) can visit the exhibitions free of charge, with special educational programs also offered. Fotografiska is a meeting place for the senses: the house features a Michelin Green Star restaurant, café, rooftop garden, bar, and shop. Every week, thought-provoking, engaging, and entertaining events take place here. On Fridays, the museum is open until midnight.

“This is Fotografiska’s most technologically ambitious exhibition to date, and it’s perfect for families,” says Maarja Loorents, Co-Founder and Head of Exhibitions at Fotografiska Tallinn. “Visitors will discover immersive works and large-scale installations created especially for the show, along with fascinating material on the history and present of space exploration. The exhibition also includes the Space Reflection Station powered by artificial intelligence, which prompts visitors with age-appropriate questions to help them reflect on what they’ve experienced.” 

Visitors can also step into the exhibition virtually through Fotografiska’s Space Portal, featuring chapters on humanity’s relationship with the universe, conversations with artists, and cosmic soundscapes. 

The exhibition will first be unveiled on Friday, September 12, with a space-themed party as part of Fotografiska Tallinn’s Night Shift, the museum’s late-night program held every Friday, starting at 20:00 in the exhibition hall and continuing from 22:00 in the rooftop restaurant with music and performances. From Saturday, September 13, the exhibition will be open with a general museum ticket. The opening weekend also features artist tours, a talk by Michael Najjar, and two live podcast recordings with artist Mackenzie Calle and Estonian space expert Andreas Veispak. 

Later in the month, on Sunday, September 28, a full-day Family Festival will fill the house with playful astro-adventures for explorers of all ages. The special program also includes a space-themed TEDxTallinn on Sunday, November 2, titled Kõgõkogo, a phrase meaning “the entirety” in a South Estonian dialect, with several of the exhibition’s artists among the speakers. The journey goes on with more cosmic encounters still to come throughout the autumn. 

More information about the exhibition and the other participating artists can be found on Fotografiska’s website.