The deputy mayor said the special conditions for heritage protection, the surrounding area and the detailed plan for the Linnahall have been prepared for the restoration since 2017.

Novikov explained: "Tallinn Linnahall was designed by Estonian architect Raine Karp. His modernist limestone building is one of the best examples of architecture and it deserves more recognition. In addition to that, it has remarkable importance in the city's landscape. The interior of the building is surrounded by a giant tapestry, which is designed by the magnificent artist Enn Põldroos. It is known to be the largest tapestry in the world."

The Linnahall complex was created in 1980 and the purpose of the building was to preserve the view of the silhouette of Tallinn Old Town from the sea.

He added: "Tallinn Linnahall won the Interarh-83 Biennale Grand Prix award and a gold medal from the International Union of Architects (UIA). In addition to that, Linnahall received the USSR National Prize in 1984 which made the authorities think that the building should belong on the list of objects protection. Linnahall was the only public building near the seaside during the Soviet era."

During the emergency situation, the Culture Committee decided to extend the deadline for cultural buildings of national importance applications. Proposals for the construction or renovation of the buildings, which will be supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia (KULKA), are expected until August 31.

Pursuant to the Cultural Capital Act, the Council of Cultural Capital supports the construction and renovation of cultural buildings with national importance in accordance with the ranking approved by a resolution of the Riigikogu.

Up to two objects can be supported. 60.6 percent of the targeted gambling tax received by the government, which was €8.3 million in 2019, will be allocated for the Cultural Endowment of Estonia in terms of the construction and renovation of cultural buildings.

Previously, the Riigikogu has decided to finance the construction of nationally important cultural buildings, such as KUMU, the Estonian National Museum in Tartu and the Estonian Academy of Music and Theater.

In recent years Tallinn City Council has said it is planning to restore Linnahall as a concert hall and conference venue. Last year, Minister of Culture Tõnis Lukas (Isamaa) floated plans the venue could also include a new opera house. The venue was used for the filming of Christopher Nolan's film "Tenet" in summer 2019.

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