Congress takes you to Tallinn. But if you look up from your schedule for a moment, you'll find a city that rewards every extra hour you give it.

Tallinn is one of those rare places where centuries of history sit comfortably alongside a thriving contemporary scene. The medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the obvious starting point, but the city's cultural life extends far beyond its ancient walls. And for a community that spends its days thinking about how to tell stories that matter, there's something fitting about gathering in a city that has been telling its own story for over 800 years. Here's where to go when the sessions are done.

KUMU Art Museum

Estonia's largest art museum is worth the trip on its own. Housed in a striking five-storey building designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori, and even featured in Christopher Nolan's Tenet, KUMU takes you through Estonian art from the 18th century to the present day. The exhibitions are bold, the café has views over Kadriorg Park, and the building itself is a piece of art. Give it at least two hours.

Kadriorg Art Museum

A short walk from KUMU, the Kadriorg Art Museum sits inside a Baroque palace built by Tsar Peter the Great as a summer residence for his wife Catherine I. It's the only museum in Estonia dedicated to foreign art, and the atmosphere alone, high ceilings, ornate halls, manicured gardens, makes it one of the most memorable visits in the city.

Fotografiska Tallinn

The internationally acclaimed photography museum that put Stockholm on the cultural map now has a permanent home in Tallinn's Telliskivi quarter. Expect bold, thought-provoking exhibitions from some of the world's most compelling photographers. For a community built around visual storytelling, this one is not optional.

Telliskivi Creative City

This is where Tallinn takes its coat off. A former Soviet-era industrial complex transformed into the city's most vibrant creative neighbourhood, Telliskivi is full of street art, independent galleries, design studios, and some of the best coffee you'll find in the Baltics. It's also a reminder that the most interesting creative communities are often built in unexpected places, something the factual industry knows better than most.

Niguliste Museum

Tucked into the Old Town, the Niguliste Museum holds the largest collection of medieval sacred art in Estonia. The highlight is Bernt Notke's stunning Death Dance, a 15th-century masterpiece that has survived wars, fires, and centuries of history. It's quieter than the bigger museums and all the better for it.

Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom

Step into Estonia's recent history at Vabamu, where powerful exhibitions tell the story of the country's journey from occupation to independence. It's an inspiring visit that offers a deeper understanding of the resilience, freedom, and spirit of innovation that define modern Estonia today. For anyone arriving in Tallinn for the first time, it's essential context for everything else you'll see in the city.

Kultuurikatel — Our Venue

And then there's the place where Congress itself will happen. Originally built in 1913 as Tallinn's City Central Power Station, Kultuurikatel is one of the most unique creative spaces in Northern Europe. Andrei Tarkovski filmed scenes from his cult classic Stalker here in 1977. The same space that once powered a city will, this November, power the conversations shaping the future of factual storytelling. We think that's worth a moment's reflection.

Tallinn is the kind of city that stays with you. We hope you find a few moments to explore it before you head home or while you enjoy the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers.

And if you haven't booked your stay yet, now is the time. Hotel blocks are available at exclusive rates, just an 8-minute walk from the venue.

Plan your stay