The Narva Museum is pleased to announce the opening of the exhibition "Border Fortress: History in Costumes", which presents a unique collection of theatrical costumes created by the citizens and schoolchildren of Narva.

The exhibition is open for visits from November 10th within the walls of Narva Castle. The official opening of the exhibition will take place on November 18th at 18:30, as part of the immersive tour "Legends of Old Narva" (tickets: https://fienta.com/.../elamusekskursioon-vana-narva...).

The exhibition includes unique costumes created by the residents of Narva. The collection will transport you to different historical eras of our city.

The collection comprises about 70 costumes, assembled from more than 500 elements. They were created between 1997 and 2017 when the "Historical Costume Theatre" was actively operating in the city, and now the collection returns to help us tell the story of Narva through the prism of changing fashion.

These costumes are not just clothes — they are inspired by history and art, and while not exact replicas, they reflect the spirit of bygone times. Some of them have even appeared in movies, theatrical productions, and photographs, adding a special relevance and significance to the entire collection.

The exhibition also marks the participation of the costumes in the creation of the situational comedy "Border Fortress", supported by the "Narva Projects CAP" program as part of the European External Borders Program 2014-2020. The series will be released this fall, and the exhibition is timed to its premiere.

"This exhibition highlights the important role that art and civil society can play in preserving history. It pays tribute to the people who were at the origins of this wonderful tradition – the historical costume contest. The collection, which arose more than 20 years ago from a creative hobby, holds great cultural significance for the city's residents, as Narvans invested their skill and passion into creating more than 500 clothing items. These costumes, long stored in the museum, will now be presented to the public again," says the exhibition project manager.

The exhibition is available to visit with a museum ticket, as well as during special "Legends of Old Narva" tours. Come to see how the past comes alive through the talent and imagination of our citizens.

Exhibition curator and designer: Tatyana Sonina

Exhibition project manager: Daria Boyarova.

The exhibition is supported by the Eesti Kultuurkapital fund.

We thank for the support: Vaba Lava Narva / Vaba Lava Нарва, Jõhvi Concert House, Narva Art School, OBJEKT multimedia future hub (Narva, Ida-Virumaa, Estonia), RESERVED store Narva branch.

11.11.2023