The panel | "Do you know this story? 500 years of Estonian books" | Eesti rahva muuseum
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HomeExhibitionSaabuvad näitusedThe panel | "Do you know this story? 500 years of Estonian books"

The panel | "Do you know this story? 500 years of Estonian books"

The story of Estonian books began 500 years ago. On the panel to be created in the foyer of Section A of the Estonian National Museum for the Book Year, artist Siiri Taimla-Rannala has illustrated this entire colourful story in a way that also brings to light the history of the Estonian written language, reading, education, and literature. 

For this purpose, we have summoned the rooster weathervane down from the church spire and, throughout the Book Year, will occasionally send Kristjan Jaak Peterson up to the celestial heights in its place. However, it turned out that the ABC rooster was so large and the history of Estonian books so heavy – one might even say weighty – that most of the rooster mysteriously sank underground, leaving only its head visible on the museum foyer wall. Like the tip of an iceberg, but fiery. 

Honouring the wonders and possibilities of the art of printing and continuing to use them successfully even after 500 years, the Book Year panel at the Estonian National Museum extends nearly to the ceiling. Thus, a surprisingly rich cultural history is contained within the rooster’s head on the panel. Through simple and witty imagery, it becomes clear that this story of literature and culture is easy to remember. It’s as easy as ABC! Come and see for yourself.

Curators: Sirel Heinloo, Kertu Saks (author of the idea)
Artist: Siiri Taimla-Rannala
Animator: Tanel Rannala

The book story panel can be seen in the lobby of Section A of the Estonian National Museum from 25 April, and it will remain in the museum until the beginning of 2026. 

Thank you, Kristjan Raba, Ragnar Kekkonen and Maido Selgmäe

P.S. We are pleased that, as a smaller sibling to the book story panel, a thoughtful and fun puzzle workbook for children aged 8 to 12 – as well as for older puzzle enthusiasts and adults – is being created in collaboration between compiler Kätlin Vainola and the Education Centre of the Estonian National Museum. The workbook’s playful puzzles will take readers on a journey through the world of literature, providing new knowledge about the history of books, authors and major book-related events in a fun format. The puzzle workbook Do you know this story? Crosswise through book history is a great companion for children looking for an enjoyable and educational activity and is certainly suitable for diversifying mother tongue lessons.