“Vivian Maier: Discovered Works”: Close-Up with Toomas Volkmann

The story of Vivian Maier (1926–2009) is one of the most remarkable in the history of photography. Fotografiska’s major exhibition of the autumn season, “Vivian Maier: Discovered Works,” offers a comprehensive view of Maier’s dense, rich and multifaceted archive, which provides a fascinating testament to 20th-century America and the darker side of the American Dream.

CLOSE-UP WITH TOOMAS VOLKMANN

An exhibition can be viewed endlessly from many different angles. Close-Up brings people from different creative fields and walks of life to Fotografiska’s exhibitions and invites them to special tours, where perspectives shaped by different backgrounds enrich discussions and reveal new connections in art.

On this tour, you’ll encounter Maier’s work through the eyes of photographic artist Toomas Volkmann. Volkmann’s insightful, fascinating tours, full of keen observations, have already become legendary at Fotografiska, captivating audiences with remarkable connections and leading them down entirely new paths of thought. What makes this tour special is that Toomas Volkmann is a great fan and admirer of Vivian Maier’s work. The dialogue that will emerge in the exhibition hall, among Vivian Maier’s photographs, will be revealed on the day.

Discussions, exchanges of ideas and synergies that arise during Fotografiska’s special tours happen in the exhibition hall on just one evening, and only those who are there can take part.

VIVIAN MAIER “DISCOVERED WORKS,” 19 SEPTEMBER 2026 – 17 JANUARY 2027

The story of Vivian Maier is one of the most remarkable in the history of photography. While working as a nanny, she spent much of her time on the streets of New York and Chicago with the children in her care. From there, she gained a unique perspective on the rhythm of the cities, their colourful characters and the unexpected moments that shape everyday life. From the 1950s to the 1980s, she documented post-war America in a way that became an extraordinary visual portrait of an era, yet remained hidden from the public for decades. Discovered only after Maier’s death, her work has established her among the most important street photographers of the 20th century.

The tour is in Estonian. It begins and takes place in the exhibition hall on the second floor. If needed or preferred, you can also use the lift to move between floors. Please note that the tour may sometimes run a little over its scheduled time—fascinating stories do not always fit neatly into the allotted time. You can explore the exhibitions for as long as you like before or after the tour, although at some point we do turn out the lights.

Ticket €25 / discounted ticket €20 / Fotografiska Membership €17