113 years in the making – A truly immersive experience
The story of Viscosa
The Utoopia nr 9 Foundation is reviving the La Viscosa artificial silk factory, originally built in 1912, later transformed into a fish cannery, and now reimagined as a versatile cultural hub.
We create an inspiring environment for artists, musicians, directors, writers and other talented people, including a wide range of music, theatre, arts, sports, education, conferences and festivals.
The largest building complex in Hiiumaa, spanning 12,000 m², is being gradually restored and equipped with modern infrastructure, technology, and support services to provide both creators and visitors with top-tier cultural experiences.
HISTORY
The artificial silk factory
The village of Kõrgessaare, located on the coast of Hiiumaa, was first mentioned in 1532. 1624. Soon after, a small manor was built, followed by a harbor in 1624, establishing regular shipping routes with Sweden.
In 1912, inspired by the harbor’s strategic location, the St. Petersburg-based company AS Viscosa purchased part of the manor’s land. Funded by Belgian, French, and British investors, the company built an artificial silk factory. However, only one test batch was ever produced before World War I broke out. The factory’s machinery was evacuated to Moscow, and the building was taken over by the Russian military.
Despite its short-lived industrial purpose, the factory became part of local history, and the name “Viscosa” remained.
The fish cannery
After World War II, parts of the old silk factory were converted into a fish cannery in 1952. By 1984, it had become part of the fishing collective “Hiiu Kalur”, best known for its Tallinn sprats and fried Baltic herring in tomato sauce. At its peak, the factory employed over 300 workers.
The southeastern wing of the U-shaped complex also housed a production unit of the Tallinn Meat and Canning Combine, which operated until the early 1990s. After that, the factory fell into bankruptcy and decay.
Over time, this architectural treasure became camouflaged within its surroundings. The more you learn about Viscosa’s history, the more questions arise making it a place of endless discovery.
Viscosa Culture Factory
The journey to finding Hiiumaa’s “Nokia”
The three kids who set it all in motion
At the right place at the right time
The Viscosa Culture Factory chapter began as a blend of chance and a calling, when Marco Pärtel, originally from Tallinn, and his Hiiumaa-born partner, Triinu, sought a better environment for their three children during the pandemic years.
Their search led them to Hiiumaa. After moving here, Marco discovered Viscosa and became involved in finding new owners and a new purpose for the abandoned, trash-filled factory complex.
April 2022: A Turning Point with Kristjan Järvi’s Creative Team
How obstacles became opportunities
In April 2022, Kristjan Järvi and his creative team visited the Viscosa factory, opening a broader perspective on the global significance of architectural heritage sites and how patrons actively seek to restore them.
That meeting transformed the vision – problems were no longer seen as obstacles, but as opportunities. 2022. By August 2022, Marco, together with his two friends Allan and Risto, purchased the factory buildings and founded the Utoopia nr 9 Foundation, dedicated to turning the site into a center for culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
With co-funding from the European Union, the first development phase of the Viscosa Culture Factory was launched, including a theater & conference hall, exhibition spaces, workshops & studios, residency spaces and a HUB for remote work.
The Story Behind “Utoopia nr 9” While discussing potential collaborations with Kristjan Järvi on the factory rooftop, he remarked: “I already have eight utopian projects on my plate.”
It became immediately clear – this had to be project number nine. And so, the name “Utoopia nr 9” was born.
TRAVELLING THROUGH TIME AND TALES
Come and enjoy culture while exploring Estonia’s unique industrial heritage. But you don’t have to remain just an observer – the Viscosa guided tour invites your group to dive into the factory’s layered world of vibrant history and bold visions for the future.
We’ll take you on a walk around the factory grounds, introduce you to the Steam House, the gallery Cathedral, Beacon of Culture, and the rest of Viscosa, sharing colorful stories and secrets from the past as well as exciting plans for what’s ahead.
The guided tour lasts 60 minutes and costs €50 per group.
Viscosa Culture Factory – let’s create together!
Only together can we create something truly great and lasting! By supporting Viscosa’s projects, you help build a unique cultural and creative environment and become part of the Viscosa story.
With a simple phone call, you contribute directly to cultural experiences and creative projects coming to life.
By joining the Window Project, you continue the initiative launched by President Alar Karis and quite literally bring light to future events. Write your company’s name into Viscosa’s history – every window will carry the name of its supporter and its message to the future. With a contribution of €5000, you’ll get 134 gift cards to Viscosa events (total value of €4020). Bring your employees, partners, or community members and take part in preserving cultural heritage.
As an artist-in-residence at Viscosa, you create value for our guests, partners, and team by gifting us a work of art made on site. In this way, you become part of the Viscosa artists’ community.
Thank you for being with us!
