Eternal Summer
The atmospheric exhibition Eternal summer, on view in the grand summer hall at Maarjamäe Palace, invites visitors to step back into the mood of the late 19th century, when the palace served as a summer residence. At the time, the estate belonged to Count Anatoli Orlov-Davydov, who resided in Saint Petersburg and used the picturesque seaside residence as a summer retreat. The interior, created from the Estonian History Museum’s collections of cultural history, textiles, furniture and art, draws on surviving photographs and period details, offering visitors a glimpse into the summer home of an aristocratic family and its carefree holiday spirit. Carefully arranged lighting and sound effects create the illusion of an endless summer’s day.
Over the past few centuries, Tallinn has grown significantly, gradually absorbing once-idyllic summer retreats into its urban fabric. The summer manors built by the nobility and wealthy townsfolk have now largely disappeared or been extensively altered, and the gardens that once surrounded them have been replaced by networks of streets. Only two of the most magnificent residences – Kadriorg Palace and Maarjamäe Palace – have retained their original character and now function as museums, where echoes of past summer romance can still be experienced all year round.
Maarjamäe, a scenic area just outside Tallinn, became a destination for summer leisure as early as the late 17th century, when town councillor Christian von Geldern established a summer manor here called Streitberg (literally, “hill of dispute” or “battle hill”). However, this period of enjoyment proved short-lived – the outbreak of the Great Northern War soon disrupted peaceful life, and the site remained largely unused for many years. In 1811, a vast sugar refinery was built on the former manor grounds. Although the factory operated for only a couple of decades, the area became known locally as Sugar Hill. Later in the 19th century, the buildings were briefly repurposed for starch and alcohol production, and a steam mill was added, but the factory was destroyed in a fire in 1869.
A new chapter began in 1873, when the property was purchased by Count Anatoli Orlov-Davydov, a resident of St Petersburg. Seeking to escape the capital during the summer, the count commissioned the construction of an impressive limestone palace to his tastes, with a terraced staircase leading to the sea and a landscaped park in the English style. The residence was named Marienberg (Maarjamäe) in honour of his wife. After Anatoli’s death in 1905, his son Aleksei and his family continued to summer at the palace.
The era of summer delights came to an end with the outbreak of the First World War. The Orlov-Davydov family emigrated to France, and a new chapter in Maarjamäe’s history began.
The reconstructed interior of the summer hall is not a faithful replica of the manor’s former main room, but rather a period-inspired setting. With its mix of furniture, paintings, household objects, original details and contemporary technical elements, it evokes an atmosphere from more than a century ago. Unlike formal ceremonial halls, this room is furnished in the eclectic style typical of a summer or hunting manor. Its light and carefree mood may briefly allow visitors to feel that a beautiful summer’s day could last forever.
Curator: Anne Ruussaar
Project manager: Herke Kukk
Spatial design: Joel Väli
Graphic design: Kätlin Tischler-Süld
Lighting design: Leon Augustin Allik
Sound design: Rudolf Paul Korp
Preparation and installation of exhibits: Mari Luukas, Maia Madar, Seidi Raid, Theodora Kormpaki, Liisu Ristal, Janne Randma, Koit Annus, Madis Matesen
Estonian language editing: Hille Saluäär
English translation: Alias Translation Agency
Exhibition construction: Random Solutions
Printing: Digiprint
Marketing and communication: Helene Tedre, Krista Arro, Margus Sass
Many thanks to Janno Lang, Toomas Zupping
Photograph: Maarjamäe Palace summer hall in the time of the counts