Kunstimuuseumi

kunstimuuseumi is the Estonian term for an art museum, a cultural institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying visual art. The name is commonly used for both national and regional institutions, and the genitive form kunstimuuseumi appears in phrases such as kunstimuuseumi kollektsioon (the art museum's collection).

A kunstimuuseum typically maintains a permanent collection, organizes temporary exhibitions, and supports conservation work. It conducts scholarly research, publishes catalogs, and offers education and public-program activities such as lectures, guided tours, and workshops. Many kunstimuuseum facilities also house libraries, archives, and digital collections to support scholarship and access for visitors.

In Estonia, the institutional term is embodied by the Estonian Art Museum, which operates several venues including Kumu kunstimuuseum in Tallinn, opened in 2006 as a leading center for contemporary and historic Estonian art. The network also includes venues such as the Kadriorg Art Museum. Funding comes from state and local governments, with additional support from sponsors and donors. Governance usually involves a director and a board, with professional curators and conservation staff responsible for collections and exhibitions.