You Have an Inheritance!

Look around you. Are the old buildings – like the place of an exhibition -  Maarjamäe Palace, valuable? To whom? Is it right that money and effort have been invested in its preservation and restoration?

Cultural memory relies on historical markers, but to understand them, people must experience and reinterpret them together over time. Heritage is not static; it changes. History shows us that heritage has often been misused and history rewritten. This makes heritage conservation decisions crucial, as they shape how people perceive and interpret the past – and in turn, how they understand themselves.

Archaeological heritage preserves the cultural and natural diversity of the past and present. Built heritage serves as a richly illustrated textbook on human history. Historical heritage reminds us that no life has been lived in vain, as every person creates and shapes their surroundings, leaving behind traces for future generations.

This exhibition presents the history of heritage conservation and Estonia’s multi-layered cultural heritage. It invites visitors to understand the conservation decisions made over time and to reflect on the principles and practices of heritage protection. The exhibition marks the centenary of Estonia’s first heritage conservation law.

Designed for the whole family, the exhibition offers engaging activities and discoveries for visitors of all ages.