Public bomb shelter in Tallinn hidden behind woodland mural
A street-level civil defense shelter has been unveiled in downtown Tallinn, Estonia's capital, in Tiigiveski Park next to Kalev Sports Hall, covered in a mural of local wildlife. It can protect about 20 people from blast waves and shrapnel, but not from a direct missile hit.
A public street-level civil defense shelter has been unveiled in the centre of Tallinn, Estonia's capital, in Tiigiveski Park next to Kalev Sports Hall. The modular concrete structure cannot withstand a direct missile hit, but it can protect around 20 people from blast waves, shrapnel and debris if an explosion occurs as close as 50 meters away. Similar shelters are already widely used in Ukraine, including in Kramatorsk.
The module was donated by the security company Citysec. It is fully wrapped in a woodland mural created by Helena Hanni and Vahur Agar of Colorees Art, showing a wild hare, a bear family, an owl in flight and a wolf.
The shelter is normally kept closed in peacetime, but it was open to visitors on Friday, when officials were present to explain its features to the public. A photo credited to the Tallinn Strategic Management Office notes that the city unveiled a new shelter on Juhkentali tänav in October 2026.
Developed with Ukrainian partners
Citysec CEO Eduard Rikkas said the module was developed on a 50-50 basis with partners in Ukraine, where the design has been in use for years.
Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik, of the Center Party, said the shelter door can be opened remotely during an emergency and will unlock automatically if power or communications fail. In peacetime, the door will remain locked.
Plans for more shelters
Tallinn has mapped 40 to 50 potential sites for similar shelters. Public procurement would follow if the city decides to order more. According to the manufacturer, the model installed on Juhkentali tänav costs up to €70,000.
