After several years I was back in Tallinn and of course it was import to visit Linnahall to see what condition it was in. Over the years I have visited the building several times photographing the exterior throughout the seasons but this visit would be different.
On a wet and miserable day I walked around the exterior, guided by temporary fencing, to the seaward side. It may have just been the bleakness of the weather but looking over the building it looked in a worse state than I remembered. Path ways and stairs were crumbling and uneven, the damaged sign above the entrance was completely missing, weeds grew from every crack or crevice, even the graffiti was looking worn out.
Inside the Abandoned Linnahall
Inside I was even more surprised. The reason I had wanted to see the interior of Linnahall was because I thought there was this hidden treasure, preserved behind locked doors, waiting to be rediscovered. Unfortunately, what I saw was far more disheartening.
As I walked through the dimly lit corridors and stair ways it was clear that there were many problems with the construction of the building. It was rushed to be completed in time for the 1980 Olympics and I have heard a large amount of the workforce used were unskilled. You can definitely see that from the exterior brickwork. Water leaked through the ceiling in numerous places, often being collected in buckets below, the damage it had created was clear even under the poor lighting.
Emerging in the amphitheatre from back stage was truly incredible. It was beautiful. The treasure I was hoping to find. Looking out in to the 4,200 seats I was completely amazed at the size of the place. From standing on the exterior of the building it is impossible to imagine the extent of what is hidden below.
Seeing the interior for the first time in the film Tenet I was blown away. But being inside now it was clear that ‘Hollywood Magic’ had played a huge part in creating that illusion. Paint peeled from the wall, puddles formed from continuously dipping water, in some cases these landed directly onto the chairs leaving them soaking. Standing back and looking over the whole amphitheatre it was hard to see these grisly details, filled with film extras it was even more so.
After spending most of my time in the glorious amphitheatre it was time to see the rest of the building. Emerging into large light corridors lined with windows was refreshing. It was now that I was able to orientate myself with the building and how people would have entered when they came here for a concert.
There was more to see, more than time allowed. And due to the lighting it wasn’t easy to photograph many of the areas that I visited. There were corridors branching in all directions and I know that there was a nightclub at one time at the back of the building, its entrance still visible but all signs of what it once was removed. There is also the hockey arena hidden behind a small unassuming entrance by the car park but the condition of that was far worse and has left the roof unsafe for people to enter.
It was here at the entrance, where a small circular reception desk was situated, where I left the building. Finally fulfilled that I had been inside. Does this mean that I will never need to visit Linnahall again? Probably not. If anything this visit has made me even more invested.
Further Reading:
I have written numerous post about Linnahall and even how the city of Tallinn was shaped by the 1980 Moscow Olympics, you can see them all here.
There is a gallery of stunning interior images over at Failed Architecture.
Linnahall was used as a location in the film Tenet as well as many other locations around Tallinn.
My zine exploring the exterior of Linnahall is available to order. It features black and white photographs taken over several visits to the building.
Our Shadows Will Remain 