Chuvash Museum of Folk Culture
Museum address:
Kaera 21, Tallinn, Harjumaa
Entrance fee 1 EURO
Museum open during operating hours 14:00 - 21:00
Program
As part of the Night of Museums, the museum will open its doors to the public to introduce Chuvash culture, language, traditions and everyday life. This year’s theme, “Voices in the Night”, invites you to listen and listen to the different voices – the sounds of language, the quiet narration of handicrafts, folk songs, stories and memories that carry the legacy of generations.
14.00 – 14.30
Opening of the Night of Museums and welcoming remarks
- Introduction to the museum
- Overview of the day’s programme
- Introduction to “There are voices in the night”
- Chuvash traditional music background sounds for visitors to arrive
14.45 – 15.15
Tour to the permanent exhibition “The story of the Chuvash people”
Guided tour of the museum:
- traditional clothes and handicrafts
- embroidery and ornamentation
- folk customs and family heritage
- stories and meanings of objects
Visitors can hear how different objects ‘tell’ the stories of their time and people.
15.30 -16.00
“How does Chuvash sound?”
Language and culture workshop
- introduction to the Chuvash language
- simpler expressions and greetings
- meanings of names and words
- a chance to listen to songs and poetry in Chuvash.
Participants will be able to try to pronounce some of the words themselves and experience the language’s distinctive sound and rhythm.
16.15 – 16.45
Crafts and quiet stories
Open workshop:
- introduction to traditional embroidery patterns
- meanings of handicrafts
- how handicrafts pass on family stories
Folk songs and nature sounds create a peaceful atmosphere.
17.00 – 17.25
Tea and conversation break
- presentation of traditional flavours
- free-form conversations about culture and heritage
- the opportunity to ask questions to museum staff
17.30 – 18.00
Chuvash songs and folktales
- listening to folk songs
- stories of family heritage and traditions
- stories of how knowledge was passed on orally in the old days
The focus is on the voice as a carrier of memory.
18.15 – 19.00
Behind the scenes of everyday life at the museum
Introduction:
- how the museum collects and preserves artefacts.
- how to care for old textiles and heritage objects
- what the day-to-day work of a museum worker is like
Visitors can see artefacts and crafts that are not normally on display to the public.
19.15 – 20.00
Evening joint activity “Voice of Heritage”
A creative and engaging section for visitors:
- Sharing your family story or memory.
- discussing the meaning of old objects
- Creating a common “heritage wall” with keywords and ideas.
20.15 – 20.45
Ending the evening by candlelight
- quiet music and poetry in Chuvash
- thanks to visitors
- the opportunity to visit the exhibition once again in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The evening ends with the idea that every object, language and song has a voice worth listening to and holding.
Accessibility information:
Wheelchair access is also possible.
Important info
The Museum of Chuvash Folk Culture is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and transmission of Chuvash folk culture in Estonia. The aim of the museum’s activities is to introduce the cultural heritage, language, traditions and handicrafts of the Chuvash people to the people of Estonia and visitors, and to strengthen intercultural understanding and diversity.
The museum actively participates in minority cultural activities, festivals, fairs and various public events showcasing Chuvash folk costumes, crafts, embroidery, customs and traditions. The visual and conceptual presentation of folk culture – explaining the meanings of objects, patterns and symbols and conveying traditions in a contemporary context – is an important element.
Particular attention will be paid to presenting contemporary crafts based on old traditions. The museum will work with a range of craftspeople to showcase handicrafts that combine traditional techniques with a modern creative approach.
Preserving and promoting the museum’s photographic collection and library is also an important part of its activities. Through these materials, information on Chuvash folk culture, history and community activities in Estonia and beyond is collected, preserved and disseminated.
Over the years, cooperation has played an important role Radio 4-which has produced radio programmes in Chuvash. These programmes help to preserve and develop the Chuvash language, to introduce the culture to a wider audience and to maintain the link with its national identity and heritage.