The complex of seaplane hangars at the Lennusadama port, which will be fully renovated in time for Tallinn’s year as the European Capital of Culture, are included in the list of global architectural heritage as the first shell concrete structure in the world. The complex was constructed between 1916 and 1917. Within a couple of years it will be home not only to the world’s only surviving Russian mine ship submarine, but also an impressive three-level permanent exhibition.

The public procurement carried out in spring for the design of the seaplane hangar exhibition and for the restoration design work for the hangars was won by KOKO Arhitektid, who involved engineers Professor Karl Õiger and Heiki Onton in the restoration. KOKO Arhitektid are well known for such designs as the Estonian pavilion at EXPO2000 in Hannover; Tallinn Synagogue; the Fahle building; and Metro Plaza.

“The seaplane hangars are the most unique architectural monument in Estonia from an engineering and technical point of view,” explained KOKO Arhitekid director Andrus Kõresaar. “We’re planning to be very tactful in the way we restore it. In the way we set up the exhibition we’re taking international visitors into account, so in world terms it will be an entirely modern and very exciting museum.”

In addition to its plans for the hangars, the Maritime Museum will also be revealing its vision of the Lennusadama port as a whole on 22 September. “The museum, or part of it, should be in close proximity to the water, or even better: own the port,” said maritime historian and museum director Urmas Dresen. “You don’t have to look very far for precedents: Karlskrona, Stockholm, Turku, Kaliningrad, Gdansk, Gothenburg, Roskilde, Bremerhaven, Kiel, Flensburg, Liverpool, Rotterdam, Amsterdam... The only option for us at the Maritime Museum is the historical area of the old Lennusadama port.”

Those attending the presentation on 22 September, which is scheduled to begin at 4.00 pm, will be offered smoked fish and tea with a tot of rum. Pictures and introductory clips will also be shown regarding the future exhibit, and performances will be given by the Estonian Defence Forces Orchestra and the Navy cadets. Also present at the event will be Sir Mark Stanhope, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff of the British Navy.

Restoration of the seaplane hangars at the Lennusadama port and the construction of the innovative new exhibition are being financed from the European Structural Funds. The work has been budgeted at 130 million kroons and represents the second stage of the plans for the reconstruction of the port.