Integration Foundation
Press release
16 April 2026
The Narva City Pharmacy is being brought back to life in an exhibition and invites people to share their memories.
At the end of May, the Integration Foundation will open an exhibition entitled Narva City Pharmacy – Community Memory and a Shared Story at the Estonian Language House in Narva, which will introduce visitors to the history of one of Narva’s most significant landmarks. People are invited to share their own personal memories until 24 April.
According to Anna Farafonova, Head of the Estonian Language House, the aim is to collect unique memories, photographs, and emotions that will help to preserve the significance and history of one of the most important places in Narva.
‘This exhibition not only looks to the past, but helps to create and preserve a living community memory. We are looking forward to hearing people’s memories so that we can add to our shared history and pass it on to future generations,’ said Farafonova.
However, the exhibition at the Integration Foundation’s Estonian Language House in Narva serves more than just a cultural and historical purpose – it plays a significant role in creating an environment conducive to learning Estonian. The exhibition uses the ‘talking walls’ method, in which the texts are not merely informative, but also support the development of reading skills and vocabulary. Each photo is accompanied by text and short exercises, which allows visitors to learn about the history of Narva and practise their Estonian at the same time.
Darja Berestova, the project manager of the exhibition, says that the exhibition serves primarily an educational purpose.
‘At the Estonian Language House, we consistently foster a language environment through a variety of events and activities that encourage the natural use of the language. This exhibition is one opportunity to do just that – for both students and teachers. It can be used during lessons, during breaks, and for independent exploration,’ said Berestova.
Established in 1944, the Narva City Pharmacy was, for a long time, the only pharmacy in the post-war town and therefore played a significant role in the lives of local residents. It was a place where people could find help, medication, and hope at a time when the town was still recovering and growing. It was right here that many children born in Narva received their first medicines, and over time, the pharmacy became a place with which almost every resident of Narva has a personal connection.
We are looking forward to receiving all photos and stories related to the Narva City Pharmacy by 24 April: integratsioon.ee/en/form/narva-apteegi-malestuse-projekt
You can share both brief recollections and longer stories – from the range of products sold at the pharmacy to the people you might have met there and the topics of conversation. The pharmacy closed on 30 May 2022, but during its long history, it employed several dozen people, and its impact on the city cannot be overstated.
The exhibition, which will also open on 30 May, is based on historical photographs, but people’s stories, memories, and emotions play an equally important role. The exhibition weaves together the life story of the pharmacy’s first manager, the recollections from later employees, and personal stories from local residents. In this way, the history of a single place creates a broader community narrative, which forms an important part of Narva’s identity.
The exhibition will open at the Estonian Language House in Narva and is organised in collaboration with the Narva Museum.
Further information: heleri.michalski@integratsioon.ee; Tel: +372 555 97 131