Tõnismägi Building Officially Handed Over to the National Library

After a 3,5-year extensive renovation period, the contractor Ehitus5ECO OÜ has handed over the National Library of Estonia building at Tõnismägi.

The renovation work covered an area of 45,561 m², with more than a hundred subcontractors and partners contributing alongside Ehitus5ECO.

“We are grateful to the builder Ehitus5ECO, who managed to turn the vision of uniting the new and the old into reality. The building has gained light and freshness, all in a way that blends with its history. Following nearly six years of renovation of the Tõnismägi building, a major move-back and the furnishing phase will now begin,” said Martin Öövel, Director General of the National Library of Estonia.

According to Ehitus5ECO’s Chief Project Manager Priit Õunpuu, the renovation work was intense but full of excitement and challenges even for experienced engineers. The complexity was heightened by the variable construction quality of the existing structures and the need to accommodate the requirements of many different stakeholders, including heritage conservation authorities.

A wide range of construction technologies were applied at the National Library site, from installing ground anchors inside the building to shotcreting and underpinning. Organising the construction work was made particularly challenging by the intricate internal logistics of the site.

Photo Marko Mumm

The National Library of Estonia will open the renovated building to the public in May 2027. In the meantime, starting from 3 September 2025, access to the Tõnismägi building will be available by prior arrangement for participants in educational programmes, training sessions, and events..