Why is Estonia not a kingdom?

Exhibition design for the History Museum

2023

WE WORKED ON

Branding
Graphic Design
Typography
Print Design
Art Direction
Exhibition Design

The central theme of the History Museum's exhibition "Why is Estonia not a kingdom?" revolves around societal identity and power dynamics. The exhibition queries how society functioned in the Estonian territories from the end of the ancient era to the medieval Jüriöö Uprising. What differed or resembled in Estonia compared to neighboring countries that already had their own kingdoms or principalities?

There tend to be more questions than answers because the available information consists of fragmentary archaeological findings, old documents with omissions, and chronicles written by outsiders. However, the magic of history lies in asking questions and seeking answers, and the fewer the evidence, the more intriguing it becomes! An essential aspect of historical narrative is the knowledge and interpretative courage of scholars. Therefore, to answer the question "Why is Estonia not a kingdom?" the exhibition has invited four leading experts: two archaeologists, a numismatist, and a historian.

The exhibition unfolds through four rooms, presenting various speculative perspectives on topics such as money, power, military equipment, and chronicles. A unified illustration style and limited color palette serve as cohesive elements across the broad range of exhibition themes. Adding a modern touch, the exhibition employs playful typography – individual calligraphic letters in words that transport the reader into the world of fairy tales and kings.

Individual calligraphic letters in words transport the reader into the world of fairy tales and kings.

The exhibitions playful typography adds a modern touch.

A unified illustration style and limited color palette serve as cohesive elements across the range of themes.

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