Surprise!
In the 2025 season, all our exhibitions are FREE for you – just come by and enjoy!
113 Years in the Making – A Truly Immersive Experience
The Utoopia nr 9 Foundation is reviving the Viscosa artificial silk factory, originally built in 1912, later transformed into a fish cannery, and now reimagined as a versatile cultural hub.
We are creating an inspiring space for artists, musicians, directors, writers, and other creative talents, where they can host music, theater, art, sports, and educational events, 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. 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 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. The more you learn about Viscosa’s history, the more questions arise — making it a place of endless discovery.
Cultural Factory
The Journey to Finding Hiiumaa’s “Nokia”
The Three KIDS Who Set It All in Motion
Getting to the meeting place
The Viscosa Cultural Factory chapter began as a blend of chance and a calling, when Marco Pärtel, originally from Tallinn, and his Hiiumaa-born wife, Triinu, sought a better environment for their three children during the pandemic years.
Their search led them to Hiiumaa, near Viscosa, where Marco—through various contacts—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.
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 Cultural 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.
Viscosa Cultural Factory – Come, Let’s Create Together!
You can start alone, but only together can you create something truly great and lasting. By participating in Viscosa’s grant projects, you help create a unique cultural and creative environment that connects art, history and your community.
A simple phone call contributes directly to the realization of cultural events and creative projects.
Join the Window Project – support the initiative launched by President Alar Karis and quite literally shed light on future events. With a named window and 133 gift vouchers, your company will leave its mark on history while strengthening its connection with employees, partners, and the community.
