Kongi show sets Kumu record with 50,000 visitors

Kristi Kongi’s solo exhibition “Chromatic Drift” drew 50,000 visitors to Kumu art museum, setting a record for a solo show by an Estonian artist, ERR reported.

The exhibition ran from May 22 to October 11. The previous record was held by a retrospective of artist Enn Põldroos, which attracted about 40,000 visitors.

“Chromatic Drift” was Kongi’s largest solo exhibition to date. All the works on display were made over the past few years as she prepared for the exhibition in Kumu’s large hall.

The show included 117 public events attended by 2,200 people. Kongi led tours and discussions and taught painting workshops, introducing her work to nearly 1,000 visitors.

Kumu director Kadi Polli said the attendance showed that contemporary art could appeal to a wide audience. She said the exhibition combined a distinctive experience of space, new work and opportunities to meet the artist.

The next solo exhibition by an Estonian artist in Kumu’s programme will be “In the Glow of Light” by Aili Vint, curated by Maria Arusoo. It is due to open on April 16, 2027.