Theatres

The repertoire of the Estonian National Opera consists of classical and contemporary operas and ballets, as well as operettas, musicals and frequent shows especially for kids. The art nouveau/neo-classical structure, designed by Finnish architects Armas Lindgren and Wivi Lönn, was the largest building in Tallinn when it first opened in 1913.

In 1865, the song and drama society Estonia was founded in Tallinn. In 1906, the society became the basis for the professional theatre founded by the directors and actors Paul Pinna and Theodor Altermann called Estonia. During the Soviet aerial bombardment of 9 March 1944, the theatre building was destroyed together with many others. The building was renovated in the second half of 1940ies. In 2003 a new multipurpose chamber hall was completed in the opera house, in the autumn of 2004 the theatre hall got a new and modern stage, in 2005 the theatre hall and the rooms for the audience were renovated.

The artistic director of the theatre is Arvo Volmer and the director general is Ott Maaten. The artistic director of the Estonian National Ballet is Linnar Looris.