In the Bastion passages of the Kiek in de Kök fortification museum, the Estonian Firefighting Museum and the Estonian Rescue Board present the history of Estonian civil defence over the last 100 years.

This very timely topic provides a reason to look back at the history of civil defence in this region and draw parallels to the present day. The exhibition offers an overview starting from the 1930s and reaches into the present.

In modern civil protection, a key element is crisis preparedness, one aspect of which is seeking shelter in the event of danger. The Bastion Tunnels have played a significant role as shelters in history, especially considering the events of the 1944 war. The site itself provides an excellent environment to explore the theme and offers visitors a sense of stepping into history. The exhibition, consisting of photos, printed materials, objects, and audio and video materials, gives an overview of civil protection in Estonia from the 1930s to the present day.

The exhibition begins with a journey to the historical tunnels and ends underground, where visitors can watch an interview film created for this exhibition. The central figure of the film survived the March 1944 bombing of Tallinn and recalls the event through the memories of a 10-year-old child.

In addition to the historical overview, the exhibition also highlights the present day. As a part of the Rescue Board, the Estonian Firefighting Museum plays an important role in informing the public. The exhibition also covers contemporary topics such as safety alerts, sheltering, evacuation, and crisis management.

The exhibition was created by Ivo Paulus, Kairi Priimets, Andres Muts, and Kadi Kübarsepp from the Estonian Firefighting Museum, with curator Kadi Kübarsepp and designer Mats Õun.

Special thanks to: Avitron OÜ, Sound & Vision, Pallitallaja OÜ.

The exhibition is open at the Kiek in de Köki Fortifications Museum from May 13, 2025, to May 31, 2026.