The New Estonian National Museum Set to Open on 1st October 2016

It's been years in the making and the wait is soon to be over.  The Estonian National Museum will finally open its doors at its new location on 1st October. For the past year the old site in Tartu has been partially closed due to the relocation with only a very small temporary exhibit on display. During this time, all other display items have been carefully transported to the new building. 

The new home of the Estonian National Museum is absolutely huge and set to become the largest high-tech museum in the region. The site was originally part of the Raadi Manor estate, once owned by a Baltic German family. In 1940, a large part of the property was used to build a Soviet air base and the new museum occupies the old runaway. 

The glass, box-shaped building was designed by Paris design firm Dorell Ghotmeh Tane (DGT) and is intended to restore the area’s cultural significance whilst showcasing Estonia's history and culture.

For more information about the Estonian National Museum please click here: http://www.erm.ee/en

Estonian Vello Vaher wows judges on America's Got Talent 2016

If you're feeling a bit down in the dumps about the current state of European politics, then this might give you a few minutes' respite. Estonian acrobat Vello Vaher recently stunned judges and the audience on America's Got Talent. Take a look! 

Hilarious Estonia: Midsummer Celebrations | University of Tartu

Jaanipäev is the second most celebrated holiday in Estonia other than Christmas. Bonfires will be blazing, live music playing and everyone likes to get up and dance after a drink. If you are not out partying tonight then perhaps you might enjoy this article instead.

Hilarious Estonia: Midsummer Celebrations | University of Tartu

Estonian Central Bank: UK decision probably won't lead to economic decline

While the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union increases uncertainty, it will probably not result in a major decline of the economy, the Bank of Estonia finds.

Britain’s decision to leave the EU is extremely regrettable, the central bank's Vice-President Ulo Kaasik told BNS on Friday. "In our opinion it is definitely bad both for the United Kingdom and all other members of the European Union."

Kaasik said that while nothing will change right away, businesses will face many unknowns.

To read the full Baltic Times article, please click on the below link.
Estonian Central Bank: UK decision probably won't lead to economic decline

Tana on Võidupüha / Today is Victory Day

Today Estonia celebrates Victory Day. 97 years ago the last decisive battles took place ending the Estonian War of Independence.  Head Võidupüha!

On this day I feel extremely proud of my great uncles for their contribution to the war effort and achieving Estonia's independence.

For more information about Victory Day please click on the link.

Hilda: 2015 EstDocs Short Film Winner

The Estonian documentary film festival EstDocs is now open for submissions. Each year the competition is held in Toronto, Canada and attracts entries from all over the world. Last year's 1st Prize and Audience Award went to the film 'Hilda' by Jaak Kilmi & Aleksandr Heifets. 

For more information about EstDocs please click here: EstDocs 2016

Estonians produce the least waste per capita

The latest OECD Regions at a Glance Report  has been released showing Estonia ranks first when it comes to waste management.  

OECD Regions at a Glance shows how regions and cities contribute to national economic growth and well-being. This edition updates more than 40 region-by-region indicators to assess disparities within countries and their evolution over the past 15 years. The report covers all the OECD member countries and, where data are available, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Peru, Russia and South Africa. 

For more information, please click here: OECD Regions at a Glance 2016