Renovation works in the Kumu atrium

On Friday, 13 June, renovation work began in the Kumu atrium, the central lobby of the Kumu Art Museum. The renovation will continue through the end of the year, with the most intensive construction activity scheduled for the summer months. Despite the ongoing work, the museum will remain open to visitors as usual.

The renovation of the atrium is a key part of preparations for Kumu’s 20th anniversary in 2026. Since the museum’s opening on 17 February 2006, the atrium, which houses the ticket office, cloakroom, toilets, museum shop and entrances to the exhibition halls, has retained its original layout and interior design.

“We have been considering the renovation of the atrium for quite some time. Kumu’s 20th anniversary felt like the perfect occasion to bring this vision to life. Our goal is to give the atrium a fresh look, creating a welcoming, well-designed space that enhances both exhibition visits and public events,” said Kadi Polli, the director of the Kumu Art Museum.
The renovations to the atrium area were designed by the interior architect Pille Lausmäe-Lõoke, who was also one of the original designers of Kumu’s interior. The updated design prioritises functionality, visitor comfort and a stronger connection between the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces. At the same time, care has been taken to preserve the architectural integrity and aesthetic harmony of Kumu’s original design.

The most significant change in the new layout will be the relocation of the museum shop to the centre of the atrium. This adjustment will open up a view of Kumu’s courtyard, which is set to host a wider range of activities and events in the future.

The renovation project also places a strong emphasis on accessibility. To ensure the redesigned atrium meets the needs of all visitors, the accessibility expert group from MTÜ Ligipääsetavuse Foorum was closely involved in the planning process. Before design work began, the group conducted an on-site assessment to evaluate accessibility for people with diverse needs and provided recommendations for improvements. Throughout the design phase, they continued to consult on overall planning, furniture layouts and infographics to help create a space that is inclusive and user-friendly for everyone.

The design of the renovations and the involvement of the accessibility experts were made possible with support from the Museum Accelerator programme of the National Heritage Board.