On Saturday the Riigikogu will open its doors to visitors
On Saturday, 25 April, the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) will celebrate its 107th anniversary with a traditional Open House Day, which this year is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of restoration of the independence of the Republic of Estonia.
Guided tours of Toompea Castle will take place throughout the day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be possible to meet the members of the Riigikogu in the rooms of the parliamentary groups and climb the Tall Hermann Tower.
The Riigikogu Open House Day will begin at 10.20 a.m. with a musical greeting from the balcony of Toompea Castle by international music festival Jazzkaar’s Urban Project band Bad Habits. After the concert, President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar will welcome the guests.
At the Riigikogu café, pianist Rene Paul will set the mood at the start of the day, while at noon, the café discussions begin, moderated by Urmas Vaino. Members of the Riigikogu Luisa Värk, Madis Kallas, Lauri Laats, Arvo Aller, Irja Lutsar and Aivar Kokk will debate on the threats and benefits of social media.
At 1 p.m., the traditional quiz between teams from schools and the Riigikogu will take place in the Conference Hall. The quiz will be hosted by Indrek Salis and Aare Olander. The best quiz teams from Saku Gymnasium, Gustav Adolf Grammar School, Pelgulinna State Upper Secondary School and Arte Gymnasium will compete with members of the Riigikogu Riina Sikkut, Andrei Korobeinik, Yoko Alender, Arvo Aller, Enn Eesmaa and Peeter Tali.
Members of the Riigikogu Anti Poolamets and Raimond Kaljulaid will guide tours in Toompea Castle.
The activities relating to the special programme dedicated to restoration of independence will be provided by the August 20th Club, State Elder August Rei Foundation, VABAMU Museum of Occupations and Freedom, TV Tower, National Library of Estonia, and Tallinn Libraries. Katariina Jee Mobile Library will also be at Toompea. Former Member of the Riigikogu Jaak Juske will give briefings on history. The Women’s Home Defence volunteers will sell the flower pins and souvenirs of the Blue Hepatica Campaign to support the Estonian war veterans.
The Open House Day will end with Estonian Television Children’s Choir concert in the White Hall at 3 p.m.
Every full and half hour between 11 a.m. and 3.30 p.m., there will be tours in the Tall Hermann Tower. Please note: in order to ensure smooth entrance to the Tall Hermann Tower, visitors will be distributed free tickets showing their time of entry. As the number of tickets is limited, we recommend that you get your ticket first and then go on to see the Riigikogu buildings.
Entry and all activities and events are free. Guests of the Open House Day who are 18 or older are kindly asked to provide a photo-identity document for entry into the Riigikogu.
More information on the Open House Day and programme can be found on the home page of the Riigikogu.
The first representative body elected by the people in independent Estonia – the Constituent Assembly – convened in Tallinn on 23 April 1919. The Riigikogu commemorates this event with its annual Open House Day, which this year takes place for the 26th time.
Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
[email protected]
Questions: [email protected]
