In preparation for a trip to Tallinn, Estonia, in April 2025, research into the areas beyond the well trodden cobbled streets of Vanalinn, uncovered “Stalker” Themepark, or the TSOON project. Inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky’s film, Stalker (1979), which was based on the Strugatsky brothers book Roadside Picnic (1972), the project takes advantage of being situated in an area where part of the filming took place. From the limited information we found and a pre-existing love for both the film and the book, we felt compelled to visit.

On arrival, we were met by project leader and producer, Indrek Leht, who introduced us to the Noblessner area, once a soviet submarine shipyard, now gradually being redeveloped into a cultural and residential area. The car park which we stood in, formerly part of the factory, flanked by two small, dark, bomb shelters that act as a base for the project. Inside, we found a space of collaboration, appreciation and experimentation. The first room showing footage from Stalker, projected onto the wall, surrounded by objects and artefacts from the filming. Following this room, sub chambers containing site-specific art interventions that evoked a sense of ‘The Zone’, a highly unusual and dangerous area left behind after a brief, unexplained visitation from otherworldy beings. Beyond this, a Stalker library, ephemera from the bomb shelter, and a highly curated selection of artefacts. Indrek left us to walk around the space, interact with the installations and browse the library, providing us information about the history of the area, project TSOON and Tarkovsky’s experience and troubles whilst filming in Tallinn. Once we had spent some time here, we were presented with a unuique opportunity to visit the adjacent derelict submarine factory - The closest feeling you can have to entering The Zone. Inside we felt an eerie presence of an uninvited guest from a rustling somewhere in a distant room, empty locker rooms, remnants of a film set and a scattering of boxes containing artefacts left behind. 

To visit Stalker Themepark, fill out their booking form, or email Indrek at stalkerthemepark@gmail.com. Project TSOON, also operate walks along filming routes, outreach programmes with students and gatherings in Noblessner. 

Web: https://www.stalkerthemepark.ee/

Featured photo taken from the set of Stalker in Tallinn by Sergei Bessmertniy
Images below taken by SEADOG on location.