This 1973 postcard features a view of the Kadriorg Cafe, located in Tallinn, the capital of the Estonian SSR. This modernist building was a significant urban landmark and a popular leisure spot.
What is shown on the postcard
The postcard depicts the two-story Kadriorg Cafe building, characterized by its distinct modernist architecture. The first floor is partially elevated on pillars, creating an open space beneath the structure. The second-floor facade features vertical light panels and extensive glazing. On the roof, there is a cubic billboard with a logo displaying the initials “TUL” and two swans, associated with Kadriorg Park. In front of the building, a section of the road and a pavement are visible, with several people strolling. The background is filled with dense green trees, indicating the proximity of a park area, under a blue sky with clouds.
Historical note
The Kadriorg Cafe was constructed in 1964, designed by the prominent Estonian architect Valve Pormeister. The building became a prime example of modernism in Estonian architecture during the 1960s. Its location at the edge of the picturesque Kadriorg Park made it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. The cafe offered not only a comfortable atmosphere but also an innovative design that was recognized by contemporaries as bold and functional.
Present day
The Kadriorg Cafe building no longer exists. In the early 2000s, it was demolished to make way for the construction of the new Art Museum of Estonia — KUMU. Thus, the site of the iconic modernist cafe is now occupied by one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe, continuing the tradition of the Kadriorg area as a cultural hub.
Location (map)
Address: Narva maantee 63, Tallinn
Coordinates: 59.439815, 24.787687
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Approximate location of the former Kadriorg Cafe at Narva maantee 63, Tallinn, now the site of the KUMU Art Museum..
Questions and answers
- When was the Kadriorg Cafe built? The Kadriorg Cafe was built in 1964.
- Who was the architect of the Kadriorg Cafe? The architect of the Kadriorg Cafe was the distinguished Estonian architect Valve Pormeister.
- What is located on the site of the Kadriorg Cafe today? The site of the former Kadriorg Cafe is now occupied by the KUMU Art Museum of Estonia.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Tallinn from 1973.
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