From June 17 to November 17, 2024, the exhibition about the past and present of the Sovereign Order of Malta was open for the the visitors in the Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood. The exhibition which presented the artifacts, decorations and insignia both from the library of the Sovereign Order of Malta and also from the collection of the museum was named “Sovereign Order of Malta is Service of Mankind”.

Over the course of five months, the exhibition was visited by more than 4,000 people and nearly 500 schoolchildren, which is an extraordinary achievement considering the scale of Tallinn. The exhibition also received positive attention from top state officials, city government representatives and the diplomatic corps.

“It is with great honour and pleasure that I present the catalogue of the exhibition “The Sovereign Order of Malta in Service of Mankind.” Organised by the Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood in cooperation with the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Estonia, this exhibition is a testament to our Order’s enduring legacy and noble mission. The Sovereign Order of Malta, one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation, has a rich history that spans over 900 years. Established in Jerusalem in the 11th century, we have been dedicated to serving the vulnerable and the sick, a commitment that continues to define our actions today. Our Order, a lay religious order of the Roman Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, maintains diplomatic relations with 113 states and the European Union. It holds Permanent Observer Status at the United Nations. We are neutral, impartial, and apolitical, driven by the Christian virtues of charity and brotherhood. Principles of solidarity and neutrality guide our humanitarian actions. We provide medical, social, and relief services in emergencies caused by conflicts and natural disasters. Across the globe, our broad spectrum of social projects offers constant support to society’s forgotten and excluded members. We are mainly involved in helping people in armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing essential medicines and survival equipment. Our commitment to preserving human dignity and caring for those in need, regardless of origin or religion, remains unwavering. In conclusion, I extend a special invitation to the young people of Estonia to visit this exhibition and become involved in the volunteer activities of the Order of Malta. Your engagement and support are vital to continuing our mission of service and compassion,” His Eminence Grand Master Fra´ John Dunlop stated in the opening word of the official catalogue of the exhibition.

The Apostilic Administrator in Estonia, Bishop Philippe Jourdan gave his blessing the the exhibition together with our venerable Prelate Monseigneur Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos. Members of the Order and distingushed guests from Austria, Germany, Lithuania and Sweden honored the opening event with their presence.

“Our aim with this exhibition was to provide the people of Tallinn and Estonia with a deeper understanding of the rich heritage and the noble mission of the Order of Malta. Through these symbols of honor and duty, we hope to convey the enduring values of the Order: faith, service, and charity. This exhibition is not just a static display of artifacts – it is a living testimony to the ongoing work of the Order of Malta around the world. It speaks to the commitment to humanitarian aid, dedication to the care of the sick and the poor, and unyielding defense of human dignity,” Alexander Tsikhilov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Order of Malta Foundation in Estonia said.

The exhibition proved to be very popular among schoolchildren and the number of visitors was indeed a positive surprise. The exhibition was also covered by various Estonian media outlets.

We can certainly say that thanks to the highly successful exhibition and the PR campaign carried out at the same time, the Order of Malta is much better known in Estonia than before.

We are extremely grateful to the Grand Chancellor and our good colleagues in Rome, especially to Dottoressa Valeria Leonardi who who prepared and transferred the objects exhibited at the exhibition to Tallinn.