Estonia's new opera house seeks green light for construction
The construction of the Estonian National Opera's new opera house, which is designed to be situated directly on the water, has raised a number of questions for both project leaders and bystanders alike. The project's 3D draft plan was completed by Wednesday, with which it is hoped that the project will finally get the green light from both the City of Tallinn and the Ministry of Culture.
This does not mean, however, that the new opera house will definitely be built. The property upon which the planned opera house is slated to be built, located behind the old Linnahall sports and concert venue, belongs to the City of Tallinn. The financing of the new building's construction must be figured out as well.
Aivar Mäe, Estonia's general manager, recognized that the sums of money needed to construct a proper opera house were colossal. The current planned budget for the construction of the new building is 100-140 milion euros, however this total may change.
"The opera house would be constructed from wood, connected to the Linnahall and in large part would stand on the water, like a ship," said Mäe. The goal is to attract opera tourists in addition to local residents, which is why the building must be attractive in addition to functional.
The project will be introduced to the Minister of Culture for the first time on Monday. According to Mäe, however, the city has been met with five or six times already. The theater's general manager believed that upon the acquisition of the property from the City of Tallinn, the state will be willing to contribute support for the project as well, adding that private individuals have already expressed willingness to do the same.
If the capital city and the Ministry of Culture both give the project the green light soon, Mäe believes that the new opera house could be finished by 2025.
Editor: Editor: Aili Sarapik