Photo flashback: Café Marcelle / Jegorov House

In the early 1920s, Estonia's first cabaret dancing couple, 'René and Marcelle' (real names Bernhard Leer and Rosalie Leer), raised a large sum of money to open Café Marcelle in the basement of Jegorov House in Tallinn. Café Marcelle opened in 1925 and quickly became one of the city's premiere hotspots. It was celebrated for hosting The Murphy Band, who were known as Estonia's first professional jazz orchestra. 

The Jegorov House building has an interesting history.

  

In 1918, a wealthy Russian textiles merchant by the name of Iwan Jegorovitš (Ivan Jegorov) purchased a massive block of buildings in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town. He transformed the entire block spanning Raekoja plats, Kinga, Pikk, and Mündi streets into a modern, prestigious commercial and residential complex, designed by renowned architect Artur Perna. During this time Raekoja plats 8 became known as Jegorov House. 

 

Café Marcelle was located at Raekoja plats 8 in Jegorov House. 

 

Jegorov was one of the wealthiest Russians in Tallinn during this period. He was well-known not only for building a highly successful business empire in trade and real estate, but also for his charitable contributions. He gave generously to the Orthodox Church in Estonia, and he frequently supported the poor and orphanages. Jegorov's life was cut short when he was arrested by the NKVD during the Soviet occupation in August 1940. He was deported to the Gulag system and died in a Siberian prison camp in 1942.

 

Iwan Jegorovitš (Ivan Jegorov 1875–1942) 

During the Soviet occpuation of  Estonia, Café Marcelle's name, which was considered too Western, was first changed to Laine and subsequently to Vana Toomas. In 2002, the historic restaurant was completely renovated and named Maikrahvi after a medieval legend. Today, the Maikrahvi complex also includes a café overlooking Raekoja plats, which continues to bear the name of Vana Toomas.

Estonian historic figure: Jakob Hurt

Jakob Hurt was a pivotal Estonian folklorist, theologian, linguist, and academic, often called the "King of Estonian Folklore". A leading figure in the Estonian national awakening, Hurt organised a massive nationwide campaign in the 1870s to collect traditional Estonian stories, songs, and cultural oral history. 1400 volunteers took part in the project, visiting almost every home in Estonia and producing over 124,000 written pages. Hurt's quest to preserve Estonia's oral culture was to be published in a six volume collection called 'Monumenta Estoniae Antiquae' however, due to financial difficulties, only two volumes of folk songs were published in 1875-76, entitled 'Vana kannel' (Old Harp).

During the first Estonian Song Festival in Tartu in 1869, Hurt delivered a highly regarded historical speech urging Estonians to remain loyal to their nation, seek unity, and promote education in their mother tongue. Thanks to Jakob Hurt's tireless efforts and dedication he safeguarded Estonia's cultural heritage from assimilation.

 

 Jakob Hurt (1839–1907) 

In honour of Hurt's work in preserving Estonian culture, his image featured on the 10 kroon banknote.

The Most Amazing Places to Visit in Estonia

59% of Estonians keep old mobile phones

According to Eurostat 51% of people living in the European Union keep an old phone at home. Somewhere in a drawer, a bag, or forgotten on a shelf. In Estonia this figure is higher at 59.1%. The tendency to hold onto things is a common trait in Estonia, deeply rooted in the country's history. Rather than hoarding, it stems from a practical, frugal mindset. 

I have to agree with the data. Here are two of my old phones that I keep in a cupboard at home and I'm sure if I look around in my father's desk drawer, I would find an old Nokia there too!

Bank of Estonia to issue new 2 euro Sipsik coin

For 65 years, Estonian children have grown up with Sipsik, the curious and mischievous blue-and-white-striped rag doll beloved across generations. Sipsik first appeared in the Estonian children's magazine Täheke before being published as a standalone book in 1962 and later film. Now the iconic character will be honoured on a special two euro commemorative to be released on June 5.

 

Sipsik was created by writer Eno Raud and artist Edgar Valter.

 

The new commemorative coin card was designed by graphic artist Vladimir Taiger, who also designed Estonia's kroon banknotes. The text on the coin card was laid out by artist and writer Piret Raud. One million coins were minted in honour of Sipsik  and will enter circulation through banks and retailers next month.

Estonia is the place to be this summer!

Summer will soon be upon us which means now is the time to start planning holiday getaways. Estonia is the prefect summertime destination for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy comfortable sunny weather that rarely exceeds 25°C. The 'white nights' (19 hours of daylight) enable you to do more during your day. Estonia offers the perfect mix of vibrant, open-air culture in cities like Tallinn and Tartu and relaxing beach getaways in coastal areas such as Pärnu and Saaremaa.

 

 

Estonia's summer calendar is packed with major festivals spanning electronic music, folk arts, classical concerts, and heritage celebrations. The Viljandi Folk Music Festival and Tallinn Medieaval Days are two of the best annual events in Estonia. To find more events that appeal to you, click here. 

Reading e-books on the rise in Europe

In 2025, e-book and audiobook purchases were on the rise across the European Union. Reading habits vary widely from country to country with Ireland having the highest share of residents buying e-books or audiobooks online. In Estonia there is still a strong traditional preference for physical books, despite being a highly advanced digital society. Estonians are among the most avid readers in the world and have an incredibly strong culture of owning, reading, and collecting large numbers of books. A typical Estonian home has 218 books and these personal libraries are often a point of great pride.