PoCo’s Unique Location in a Former Grain Elevator Draws International Attention
Linnar Viik doesn’t spend too much time deliberating over good ideas. When inspiration strikes, he quickly puts things into motion. That’s exactly what happened with PoCo. In autumn 2022, he had a thought: “What if we created a museum based on our own art collection?” By the following summer, the PoCo Pop Art Museum had opened its doors in Rotermann Quarter. “I believe that was a world record for opening a museum,” he says with a smile. The choice of location, of course, was no coincidence.
A Neighbourhood with Meaning
“Culture is what gives life meaning. In the same way, culture gives meaning to an urban neighbourhood. I’m glad that several development districts in Tallinn have asked themselves: what is the cultural anchor that will make people recognise and remember this place?” says Viik. “Rotermann is such an attractive and pleasant place because it has culture, design shops and small gallery spaces. Our museum fitted in perfectly,” he adds. The team also considered a canal-side neighbourhood in Copenhagen, but ultimately preferred the overall atmosphere of Rotermann.
Bowie x Sukita in Tallinn
The museum’s unique location also played a part in bringing the “Bowie x Sukita” exhibition to Tallinn, an event Viik describes as an extraordinary cultural occasion. The exhibition features more than 100 photographs from the 40-year collaboration between iconic Japanese photographer Masayoshi Sukita and David Bowie. It has previously been presented in museums and galleries across major cities around the world.
“Just seeing photographs of Rotermann’s streets was enough to spark the interest of Sukita’s representatives and the ONO Arte team,” says Viik. “And when they heard that the museum was housed in a 19th-century grain elevator building, they immediately agreed.”
One of the Best Presentations of the Exhibition
Viik is delighted that several visitors who have also seen the exhibition elsewhere consider the Tallinn presentation one of the best. “It works exceptionally well with the physical environment we’ve created inside this former grain elevator.” But the photographs on the walls are only one part of the wider cultural programme dedicated to Bowie. The programme includes DJ nights, intimate concerts by Bowie tribute bands, film screenings and much more.
“One thing I’ve already noticed is that people who have visited the exhibition return within a few days to share the experience with their friends. There are so many little corners, artworks and texts here that invite people to reflect and discuss,” says the PoCo founder. His personal favourite is a series of photographs from the photoshoot for the cover of Bowie’s album Heroes.
The Greatest Wish
According to Linnar Viik, the PoCo team’s greatest wish is for visitors to leave the museum enriched by an experience they will still remember years later.
“That’s why we do what we do.”
“Bowie x Sukita” is on display at the PoCo Pop Art Museum until 25 April.
