Greek explorer Pytheas’ journey from the Mediterranean to Saaremaa
25 September 2026 – 31 October 2027
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the first publication of Lennart Meri’s Hõbevalge (Silverwhite). This noteworthy occasion will be marked not only by a new edition of the Estonian-language book and a feature film, but also by the opening of an exhibition at the Seaplane Harbour, which takes visitors on Ancient Greek explorer Pytheas’ maritime journey from the Mediterranean Sea to Saaremaa.
The exhibition space blends history, myths, light, sound, and space into a seamless whole. It is structured as a multi-layered journey, where each room reveals the next chapter and leads visitors ever closer to a powerful climax – the Kaali meteorite impact, which left a profound mark on Estonian cultural history.
The most unique technical feature of the exhibition is a sound solution provided by NOUS Sonic. Audio heard through visitors’ headphones changes according to their movements, pauses, and choices, resulting in a bespoke Silverwhite experience for every person. No two auditory experiences are exactly alike.
Rare museum pieces, items from the Meri family’s private collection, meteorite fragments, a light installation, and audio-spatial narratives come together to form a voyage that doesn’t seek to explain everything, but rather invites one to experience, imagine, and discover.
Martti Helde, the exhibition’s curator and creative director, has steered the creation of a comprehensive artistic work – a spatial and audio-visual interpretation of one of the seminal texts of Estonian cultural history.
Silverwhite is at once an exhibition, an expedition, and a state of being. It is an opportunity to step into a world where time moves at a different pace and where each visitor creates their own journey.
EXHIBITION TEAM
Curator and creative director: Martti Helde
Consultant: Mart Meri
Interior designer: Liis Lindvere (KOKO architects)
Sound designer: Janne Laine (Finland)
3D sound system: NOUS Wissensmanagement FlexCo (Austria)
Scriptwriter for the audio stories: Pilleriin Raudam
Graphic designer: Gertu Kallas
Lighting designer: Tristan Rebane
Video artist: Mikk-Mait Kivi
Construction of the exhibition: Siltau Systems OÜ
Printed exhibition graphics: Digitrükk OÜ
Historical texts for the exhibition space: Priit Lätti, Mart Meri
Historical consultant: Mait Kõiv
Script for the fairy tale and museum education: Kristel Bultot, Irma Mets, Helene Uppin, Laura Pürjema
Narrators: Sergo Vares, Evelin Võigemast, Indrek Sammul, Nicole Kennedy, Stewart Johnson
Vocals for the sound design: Chamber Choir Sireen, conducted by Laura Štoma
Preparation and installation of items: Oksana Leontjeva
Installation of items: Villu Plink
Ship model manufacturer: Eero Ehala
Translation of excerpts from Silverwhite into English: Adam Cullen
Translation of the exhibition texts into English: Interlex OÜ
Language editing – Estonian: Hille Saluäär
Language editing – English: Kristopher Rikken
Translation into sign language: MTÜ Viipelism
Translation into plain language: Kerttu Rakke, Janek Muru, Vaimupuu MTÜ
Consultation regarding blind and partially sighted people: Artur Räpp
Production of the tactile book: Kätly Aksim, Digitrükk OÜ
Transport of items from other museums: Libereco OÜ
Supplier of lighting equipment: Progear OÜ
Technical solutions: Helina Torv, Valter Vaht
Marketing project manager: Iris Tomson
Communications manager: Laura Maide
Technical manager: Tõnis Veltman
Project manager: Anna-Liisa Õispuu
The items in the exhibition were provided by:
the private collection of Lennart Meri’s family;
the Estonian History Museum, the Estonian Museum of Natural History, the Estonian National Museum, the Archaeological Research Collection of Tallinn University, the University of Tartu Natural History Museum, the Helsinki University Museum Flame in Finland, the Latvian National Museum of History, the Palanga Amber Museum in Lithuania
Supporters: Estonian-Finnish Cultural Foundation, Estonian Cultural Endowment, Reval Stone, Go Hotel Shnelli, Tallink Group