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Description
General objective of the project is to restore a building in the heritage conservation area on the high street of Haapsalu old town, which has been a significant landmark for more than a century, and thus create a year-round art centre with permanent exhibition, exhibition halls, studio and course space and an art library in the heart of Haapsalu old town. With this project, the building’s original exterior is maintained as well as the historical details renovated and restored. Additionally, the building is enriched with a modern function and ease of use. So far, the building has only been used in the summer months, but after the project it shall be usable all year round.
The Evald Okas Museum is a private museum that has operated in Haapsalu since 2003. The museum’s mission is to maintain and exhibit the creative legacy of Evald Okas and his family as well as to contribute to the progress of Estonian art life and education, provide diverse options for exhibition activities to all kinds of artists. In addition to high-level exhibitions, art courses, lectures, self-improvement workshops for artists, and other cultural events are organised in the museum. For Haapsalu, it is strategically important to emphasise its singularity more in both the Baltic Sea region and inside Estonia. Launching the project supports the image of Haapsalu as one of the most beautiful small towns, which has been historically valued by artists and cultural figures. With this project, we improve the culture and art scene of the Haapsalu region, which includes the Laikmaa house museum, Ilon’s wonderland, other museums and galleries, and the Haapsalu art school.
Summary of project results
General objective of the project was to restore a building in the heritage conservation area on the high street of Haapsalu old town, that has been a significant landmark for more than a century, and thus create a year-round art centre with permanent exhibition, exhibition halls, studio and course space and an art library in the heart of Haapsalu old town.
The building at Karja streete 24 was renovated.
The building’s original exterior was maintained as well as the historical details renovated and restored. Additionally, the building was enriched with a modern function and ease of use. The ground floor and first floor were fully renovated, while the 2nd floor (attic) exhibition hall was in the end excluded from the scope because of budgetary restrictions. It is planned to fully renovate the 2nd floor as soon as possible outside
Until the renovation, The Evald Okas Museum was only used in the summer months, but now it shall be open all year-round.
The Evald Okas Museum is a private museum that has operated in Haapsalu since 2003. The museum’s mission is to maintain and exhibit the creative legacy of Evald Okas and his family as well as to contribute to the progress of Estonian art life and education, provide diverse options for exhibition activities to all kinds of artists. The renovation of the building enables to carry out high-level exhibitions, art courses, lectures, self-improvement workshops for artists, and other cultural events in the museum. With this the culture and art scene of the Haapsalu region is improved, which includes the Laikmaa house museum, Ilon’s Wonderland, other museums and galleries, and the Haapsalu art school.