Experiencing TENET Part 3: Hidden Filming Locations You Probably Missed in Tallinn – Temma (Japan)

In Part 2, we explored one of the famous filming locations. They may be too obvious for those living in Estonia, as most places are iconic, such as the Estonian Art Museum (KUMU) or Tallinna Linnahall. Our journey of the series Experiencing TENET will end in lesser-known filming locations in Tallinn. They are not as obvious as the others, so even local people might pass by without noticing. But they were all used in the crucial scenes in the film.

Secret Lab of Inverted Bullets – Liivalaia Kohtumaja

📍 Liivalaia Kohtumaja (Liivalaia Court House)

🏠 Liivalaia tn 24, 10118, Tallinn

⏰ Permanently closed

Left: My sister walking toward the entrance where the Protagonist studied the inverted bullets. Right: The same courtyard and courthouse in the film.

The Protagonist visits the secret lab to study the time-inverted bullets he saw in the Kyiv Opera House. This is the place. Liivalaia Kohtumaja is one of the three former courthouses in the Tallinn prefecture and is currently abandoned. It is permanently closed to visitors; however, it’s located in a quiet spot within walking distance of the Old Town and Vabaduse Väljak (Freedom Square). Even locals might pass by without realising it was part of the film.

The Protagonist follows the navigation screen toward the secret lab. Liivalaia Kohtumaja does not appear on most tourist maps, but it is only a short walk from the Old Town.

The Railway Tracks of Confusion – Near Telliskivi

The real tracks near Telliskivi under blue sky; in the film, the same rails with long freight cars behind a very different mood. Do not walk on the active lines, view from the edge only.

Initially built as the soviet factories, Telliskivi Creative City is now one of Tallinn’s most vibrant neighbourhoods with restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and live events. It’s next to the Balti jaam, a train station connecting Estonian cities such as Tartu, Pärnu, and Narva. Of course, visitors cannot walk onto the active railway tracks. But you can still feel the atmosphere of the problematic beginning scene, and have a peaceful afternoon in one of Tallinn’s young and energetic neighbourhoods. 

Conversations on Pärnu Highway – Pärnu mnt

Top: us on Pärnu mnt with the same tram line and street layout as in the film (one building since demolished); bottom: the Protagonist and Neil on the same street.

Here, the Protagonist and his buddy, Neil, planned their next mission in everyday Tallinn life. By cross-checking the tram line map and the surrounding architecture, I identified two locations used for the film. Although one building next to the pedestrian street has been demolished, it still feels like you can hear someone discussing secret plans in whispers. 

The Silent Memorial – Maarjamäe Memorial

Top: Maarjamäe Memorial’s concrete walls and the view toward the sea and Tallinn skyline; bottom: the Protagonist’s conversation about the mysterious device among tourists on the same site.

The protagonist had an enigmatic conversation about the mysterious device among other tourists in Maarjamäe Memorial. The sculptured massive concrete commemorates those who fought for the first Estonian independence. Across the bay, you can see the Old Town’s medieval skyline, the modern business district, and the ferry port, all at once. It also has the Film Museum, Estonian History Museum, and Maarjamäe Castle. In 2018, the memorial for the victims of communism was opened for the deported people during the soviet era. 

We also explored Rotermanni City, thinking two scenes were filmed there, but they weren’t. Some scenes were actually shot in Oslo, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet. 

Visiting film shooting sites is a great way to explore Tallinn, from the most touristic to the less famous yet interesting places. This is the last article of the series Experiencing TENET. However, this is just the beginning of the journey. You only experience TENET when you witness the real places by yourself.

All images are the author’s own unless otherwise specified.

This article is based on two sources: Visit Tallinn (click here) and Visit Estonia (click here).