Estonian National Opera Considers Three Expansion Options

The Estonian National Opera has announced a tender to develop a concept for expanding its building. Participants must assess three possible options by mid-September, evaluating their feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages.

One option is an annex to the historic facade on the side of Uus Turg Square. Another involves a major reconstruction of the current stage, respecting heritage protection requirements. The third option, supported by Tallinn city leadership, is constructing a new building opposite the entrance on Theatre Square.

Tallinn's chief architect Andro Mänd said the new hall could be built on a parking lot, connecting old and new buildings via underground tunnels, with cloakrooms and toilets under the street. He noted that the opera's first floor, a premium space, could house restaurants instead of a cloakroom. The new building could also be linked underground to the Solaris shopping center parking.

The Heritage Protection Department supports this idea, as Theatre Square is outside the protected zone, unlike Uus Turg Square, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The department believes a large-scale annex on Uus Turg is unacceptable, but renovating the old building to enlarge the stage and hall is possible.

Department director Marilin Mihkelson said the goal is to increase the theatre's space by about a third. This option involves expanding the auditorium and stage mostly within current walls, with some extension beyond. Previously, this option was not detailed.

Theatre director Ott Maaten admitted that the management prefers the annex to the historic facade, though it is least acceptable to other parties. However, he is open to other ideas if the tender proves their viability. Maaten hopes for unexpected, successful, and constructive solutions from participants.