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Writer's pictureRegina Bauer

Ukrainian Treasures in the Heart of Tallinn

To reach the exhibition titled "Stolen Treasure: Ukrainian Gold," one must take a stroll past the Russian embassy. I find this journey rather symbolic. As you walk, you'll pass a fence adorned with calls for the liberation of Azov Prisoners of War, appeals to send tanks to Ukraine, and teddy bears covered in red paint, symbolizing blood. You stop and read the signs.  



Adjacent to the Russian embassy on Pikk Street stands The Great Guild, a medieval building with historical significance. Once the most important place for merchants in Hanseatic Tallinn, it has now transformed into one of many history museum branches. The door of The Great Guild is a true masterpiece - a heavy, intricately crafted entrance that serves as a prelude to the historical richness within.



Inside, a diverse array of languages fills the air – English, Estonian, German, Italian, Ukrainian, and unfamiliar tongues. A friendly Estonian guide directs visitors, revealing that "the gold is in the hall to the right."




And it is indeed. Entering the piano room with its high Gothic ceiling, adorned with a Maikrahv celebration painting and tall mosaic windows, the atmosphere is enchanting. Silver bells from carriages, coins spanning different eras, and exquisite golden jewelry are on display. The Scythian gold, an absolute masterpiece, leaves me in awe, pondering how ancient goldsmiths achieved such mastery in crafting these golden pieces of art.

Two Ukrainian ladies are talking quietly about how thoughtful it was of the organizers not to add the Russian language to the labels anywhere in the museum. Instead, Ukrainian is included.



The story behind the discovery of Ukrainian treasures is a plot for the movie itself. 

Estonian customs discovered and seized a valuable gold treasure believed to be from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. The artifacts, including ancient coins and jewelry, were found in a Latvian driver's truck during a routine inspection in 2018. The driver claimed ignorance and alleged that two individuals had secretly placed the items in his truck. After years of investigation, it was determined that the artifacts, with a historical value, originated from looted archaeological sites in Eastern and Southern Ukraine. The driver was fined, but the masterminds behind the operation remained unidentified. The estimated market value of the treasures was 73,000 euros. Estonia has decided to return the artifacts to Ukraine, following an international precedent involving a similar treasure from Crimea. After the exhibition ends, the gold will be returned to Ukraine. The story in full can be read here


On January 29, Ukrainian treasures will embark on their journey back home.

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