Dance of Death
The Niguliste Museum is home to one of Estonia’s best-known medieval works of art – Bernt Notke’s Dance of Death. This mysterious painting tells the story of Death, who invites everyone to join his dance, from emperors to ordinary mortals. However, only the opening 7.5 metres of the original work have survived to this day. Who were the other dancers, and what might their stories have been?
The experience begins with a guided tour of the Niguliste Museum. We explore the former church and its rich artistic heritage, take a glimpse into the medieval worldview and spend time discovering The Dance of Death in greater detail. We examine the figures and symbols in the painting, explore its underlying message and discuss why Death leaves no one out of the dance – neither rulers nor ordinary people.
The guided tour is followed by a creative workshop in which participants create a collective or individual Dance of Death collage. Who might the dancers of today be? Whom would Death invite to dance in the present day, and what stories might unfold between them? Inspired by this medieval masterpiece, we create our own interpretation of the Dance of Death, bringing together different characters, eras and stories.
Gallery
The programme lasts approximately 90 minutes and can also take place after the museum has closed to the public.
Price: €22 per person
For groups of fewer than 10 participants, a fixed group rate of €220 applies.
The programme is available in Estonian and English.
Guided tour of the permanent exhibition (1.5 hours)
Additional options:
- Short concert (30 minutes) in the nave of Niguliste Church
