Films and hands-on displays at this extensive museum show how Estonian-dwellers lived, fought and survived through 11,000 years.
The museum covers Estonia's history from prehistoric times’ right up to the end of the 20th century.
It makes its home in the 15th century Great Guild Hall, itself a spectacular relic of Tallinn's past. It is no surprise that this hulking, gabled hall with its gigantic porch and lion’s head door knockers belonged to the Great Guild. Members of the guild, who had to be married German merchants, controlled the Town Council. In the cellar rooms, an exhibit called 'Power of the Elite' showcases the history of the building.
Among the other displays are 'Making a Fast Buck' in the coin chamber, which focuses on the sundry ways of payment seen in Estonia throughout history.
In Börsi käik, the narrow passageway that runs alongside the building, a 'Road of History' exhibit highlights the most important events of Estonia's past.
Children can look for the museum’s very own dragon, displayed for centuries on the building’s pillar. The museum’s courtyard presents several things that are ideal for little visitors.
Location: Vene 17, Kesklinn, Tallinn, Harjumaa, 10123
Tallinn City Museum at 17, Vene Street is housed in a medieval merchant's dwelling in the centre of the Old Town. It got the European Museum Forum's nomination in 2003.
The museum and its café are open: Wednesday - Monday 10.30 am - 17...
Location: Roheline Aas 3, Tallinn, Harjumaa, 10125
The museum on the ground floor of a neo-baroque building erected for the castellan of Kadriorg in the mid-19th century shows the last apartment of one of the best-known Estonian writers of the early 20th century – Eduard Vilde (1865-1933).
The wr...
The Estonian Maritime Museum’s ships are truly a treat for all lovers of maritime history and equipment. The submarine Lembit, which was built in 1936, was part of the pre-WWII Baltic Navy. The Suur Tõll, built in 1914, is the largest surviving steam-dr...