Exhibition "Eesti tänab": National and Agency Decorations of the Republic of Estonia

Exhibition "Eesti tänab"
National and Agency Decorations of the Republic of Estonia

7.02–25.05.2025

The exhibition showcases a large selection of Estonia's national decorations. You can see different classes of the Cross of Liberty, the Order of the White Star, the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, the Order of the National Coat of Arms, the Order of the Cross of the Eagle, and the Order of the Estonian Red Cross. The exhibition also includes the decorations of the Defence League, its battalions and sub-organizations, as well as the decorations of the Defence Forces, the Police and Border Guard Board, the Rescue Board, and also the Ministry of Defence and Defence Forces' service and distinction marks. Ecclesiastical and society emblems, as well as the honorary and service decorations of cities, municipalities, and various institutions, and organizations' recognition emblems are also on display.

The exhibition is complemented by a film program, through which visitors can explore the everyday life of the master workshop producing the decorations. You can also see the story of the making of the Presidential insignia of the Republic.

This year marks the 89th anniversary of the enactment of the Estonian national decorations law and the establishment of the Order of the White Star and the Order of the National Coat of Arms. The decoration is one of the most esteemed types of national awards. The first national decoration of the Republic of Estonia, the Cross of Liberty, was established in 1919.

The exhibition is composed by the Office of the President of the Republic, collector Mart Puusepp, metal and jewelry artist Ene Valter, and companies Herald, Miniplast, and Märgikoda. The organization of the exhibition was aided by the Estonian Freedom Fighters and Resistance Movement Memorial Association and the Estonian Former Forest Brothers Union.

This exhibition tradition dates back to 2015 and has been on view in various Estonian museums for enthusiasts, including those in Kärdla, Tartu, Narva, Võru, Kuressaare, Paide, Viljandi, and Valga.