New exhibition in the RMK Sagadi Forest Museum invites you on a forest journey 01.12

Today, the new permanent exhibition Forest Journey is opened in the RMK Sagadi Forest Museum, allowing you to test your knowledge of Estonian forests as well as taking you on a playful journey through life in the forests.

According to the Manager of the Sagadi Forest Museum Ain Kütt, the life of Estonians has always been tied to the forest and the new exhibition shows the varied uses and importance of the forest in our identity. “The forest has influenced our sense of life, daily activities and economy for centuries,” said Kütt. “The new exhibition will provide a respectful view into the past but will also look toward a future of opportunities.” She hopes that the exhibition will provide excitement for children and adults alike.

Foresters wearing virtual reality goggles in the Sagadi Forest Museum. Photo by Jarek Jõepera

For example, visitors will be able to see and feel for themselves how many things around us are related to wood and how that field is developing. The exhibition will also discuss the role of forests as alleviators of climate change and wood’s role in creating cosy living environments. The last topic is explored through virtual reality where visitors can take a quick trip with Tõnis Niinemets through wood houses from various eras – from the tipi to the modern cross-laminated timber house. Under the enthusiastic guidance of Tõnis Niinemets, you can learn to imitate animal noises and review nature etiquette.

The exhibition is divided into thematic areas spread over the two floors of the recently renovated Forest Museum. The first floor features a video room providing a graphical overview of the current state of Estonian forests and showing an experience clip inspired by the beauty of the forest. The following topics are represented on the second floor:
  • the tree parliament teaches about the primary species of trees in Estonia;
  • the use of wood in the past and today gives an idea of which woods were used by farmers to build the best shovels or musical instruments and how wood is used in the modern beauty industry, aviation and all kinds of household goods;
  • forest biology tells us about our primary forest animals, the windy life in the canopies and the mysterious life beneath the dirt;
  • modern wood use displays examples from the official as well as underground hall of fame with an interactive trip through wood houses throughout history;
  • wood as the engine of the economy a.k.a. how the forest has supported us for 400 years – from shipbuilding to vodka, not to mention Estonian plywood;
  • sensation journey through the forest – an opportunity to escape the buzz of the exhibition and to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons in Estonia on the silver screen accompanied by a guided forest meditation;
  • the role of the forest in adapting to climate change and a look back to past millennia a.k.a. how Estonian forests have changed with the climate;
  • forestry ABC or when to use a relascope and saw and what it means when people say the forest depends on the soil;
  • forests in Estonian location and family names;
  • forest heritage and forest-related traditions in our cultural heritage, various views on forests;
  • forest cinema featuring fun and thought-provoking thematic clips from Estonian films.
The first floor of the Forest Museum is home to the museum shop, which offers a variety of products made out of wood and other natural resources. The lobby features a harvester simulator.

The exhibition Forest Journey is open daily from 10:00-16:00 in the RMK Sagadi Forest Museum. The Sagadi Forest Centre is also home to a nature school, hotel and restaurant and a manor house housing a museum.

The new exhibition is curated by Ain Kütt and Katre Ratassepp. The spacial solutions, design and exhibits were designed by OÜ Pult. The exhibition was constructed by OÜ Riksen.

Further information:
Ain Kütt
RMK Sagadi Forest Museum Manager
ain.kytt@rmk.ee
+372 5334 5849

www.sagadi.ee
www.facebook.com/sagadimanor