Kultuurikatel

Kultuurikatel is a cultural and event centre in Tallinn, Estonia, at Põhja pst 27a, inside the former Tallinn central power station. The station began operating in 1913 and closed in 1979. Its boiler room, completed in 1934, now includes the 780-square-metre Cauldron Hall, with boilers made in Estonia in 1948 and 1949. The complex’s 102.5-metre chimney dates from 1948. Director Andrei Tarkovsky filmed Stalker at the power station in 1977; the film’s “UN” marking remains on the chimney.

Parts of the complex, including the boiler room, gas reservoir, trestle and chimney, gained heritage protection in 2007. Architects Siiri Vallner and Indrek Peil of Kavakava won the renovation competition in 2009, and the Kultuurikatel foundation took over management and began renovation in 2011. The venue formally opened in spring 2015 as a creative and event centre. It has nearly 20 rooms, including the 537-square-metre Black Box, which can hold up to 900 people standing or 600 in theatre layout. Its spaces host concerts, festivals, exhibitions and performances.

Electronic-music events have included Hospitality: Estonia and Tjuun In: DJ Marky. Artists who have played there include DJ Marky, QBA, Degs and Flava D. Kultuurikatel organises the annual Stalker Festival and partners with Tallinn Music Week. It hosted events connected with Estonia’s 2017 Presidency of the Council of the European Union.