Among Open House Tallinn’s volunteers is Heli Jürisson, who works daily scouting actors for films, series, and commercials. What are her memories and why become a volunteer – read more below.
How long have you been a volunteer at OHT?
I’ve been a volunteer tour guide at Kadriorg Orangerie, one of OHT’s volunteer representatives at last year’s Open House festival in Prague, and in 2024, I was also a training lecturer for OHT volunteers with a talk titled “How to Be a Great Tour Guide?”, based on my 15+ years of experience as a tour guide in Tallinn – the last five of which I’ve done part-time under my brand Heli likes to talk.
Why was it important for you to volunteer at OHT and what did it give you?
Volunteering in general is an opportunity to contribute to society and our cultural space, and to “give back” to the fields that genuinely interest you. OHT is, in the Estonian context, an extremely youthful, modern, and inspiring festival that literally opens doors to the entire population to explore what surrounds us – simply out of curiosity. And in my opinion, curiosity and the desire to learn are both such beautiful traits. My eyes light up when I get a little smarter or understand a bigger picture – and if I can pass that same “aha” or “wow” feeling on to someone else, it brings me great joy!
Share one of your favorite stories or memories from OHT.
My favorite memory from OHT is definitely giving tours at the Kadriorg Orangerie during what was essentially the storm of the century, when the building was still a construction site – no walls, half a roof missing, wind hitting from every angle, and strict safety restrictions in place. Still, people came in droves to see the new building. Even though I initially felt quite hopeless, I stubbornly decided to give at least 10–15 minute tours – but make them so entertaining and engaging that everyone would leave with a strong desire to return the next year and see the completed building. I wanted both a curious tourist from abroad and a five-year-old dragged along by parents to understand the significance of the space. The day flew by, and I think I succeeded – after nearly every tour, people came to thank me personally, and a few even came for a hug at the end.
What do you value in architecture?
When it comes to architecture, I value the historical context of a building, the purity of its style (whether beautiful or ugly), and its ability to evoke an impression or emotion. For me, it’s incredibly important that a building and the storytelling – the image and the story – support each other in a natural symbiosis. When someone leaves a tour, I believe they should take with them a lasting emotional connection that forever ties them to that place.
Open House Tallinn will take place on October 11 and 12, 2025. Join as volunteer here.
