22 March 2023

The Estonian Museum of Natural History opened a new temporary exhibition “Illar Muul – a Man from the Treetops”

The Estonian Museum of Natural History introduces the home audience to the life’s work of Illar Muul, a world-renowned researcher of flying squirrels.

On March 21, the Estonian Museum of Natural History opened a new temporary exhibition “Illar Muul – a Man from the Treetops”, which displays photos and drawings that tell the story of Illar Muul (1938–2020), a world-renowned virologist and flying squirrel researcher little-known in his home country.

„Illar Muul was definitely a great figure in his field. Born in Saaremaa but grown up abroad as a war refugee, the scientist has remained relatively unknown in his home country. Our exhibition is homage to this great man and a chance to introduce the home audience to his life’s work,“ says Leida Ojasoo, curator of the exhibition.

Heidi Jõks, the director of the museum, emphasizes that the exhibition became possible thanks to Toomas Lukk, Estonia’s current Ambassador to Sweden and former Ambassador to Canada. „After Illar Muul's death, Toomas Lukk helped his legacy to find its way to Estonia,“ Jõks said.

The exhibition displays over 20 drawings of different species of flying squirrels by Illar Muul, including those of the Siberian flying squirrel, the current Animal of the Year in Estonia. Also displayed are more than 20 historical photos of the scientist’s life and work.

The exhibition in the stairwell gallery of the Estonian Museum of Natural History (Lai 29a, Tallinn) will remain open until the end of August.

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