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12 February – 31 August 2026
A memorial exhibition of Rolan Paul Firnhaber (1936–2025)
Paul Firnhaber, a cultural anthropologist of American nationality with German roots, first came to Estonia in 2001 when he was invited to deliver a presentation at a scholarly conference organised by the Viljandi Culture Academy. Thereafter, he began spending his summers in Estonia and his winters in Colorado, USA. In 2010, at the age of 74, he settled permanently in the quiet town of Viljandi. On the second floor of a former smithy, he established Gallery Imagi, creating a space in which to share his art and ethnographic collection with fellow enthusiasts of history and art. Exhibition openings at the gallery became memorable occasions, characterised by a distinctive atmosphere of conviviality, music, and the enjoyment of art. Over time, Paul Firnhaber developed a wide circle of acquaintances, with visitors travelling to see him from across Estonia.
The Kondas Centre’s close and warm relationship with Paul Firnhaber began in 2008, when we organised the first exhibition of his photographs depicting old doors characteristic of Viljandi’s historic town centre. A few years later, after his permanent move from the United States to Viljandi, the collaboration deepened. Reflecting the Kondas Centre’s special interest in outsider art, visitors were introduced to works from Firnhaber’s collection, including woodcuts by the Brazilian folk artist José Francisco Borges, satirical intaglio prints by the Scottish barber John Kay, and exhibitions presenting the life and book illustrations of the French noblewoman Gyp. On the occasion of Paul Firnhaber’s 80th birthday, the Kondas Centre organised the museum-wide exhibition Finds, drawn from his collection, accompanied by a conference.
At the small memorial exhibition, open until 26 April, visitors may also view Vaiko Edrur’s evocative and, despite its title, life-affirming documentary film Dance of Death (2019).
In accordance with his wishes, Paul Firnhaber’s final resting place will be Viljandi Forest Cemetery.