TALLINNSECRETS.EE— Hidden in Stone

House of the Blackheads Named after Kreuks

Under Soviet rule, the House of the Blackheads was used as a youth palace named for Jaan Kreuks.

The building at Pikk 26 was developed as the representative house of the merchant Brotherhood of Blackheads. Soviet authorities gave the historic structure a role in youth activities and associated its name with the revolutionary Jaan Kreuks. The new use did not erase the Renaissance facade or the older brotherhood story; it added another political layer. From the street, the building shows how one piece of architecture can represent very different ideals under different regimes.

Practical information

Address: Pikk 26

View the House of the Blackheads at Pikk 26. Compare its historical portal with its later youth-palace identity.