Pärnu Red Tower Museum and Circular Panoramic Cinema

Built in the 15th century at the southeastern corner of the town wall, the Red Tower was part of the medieval fortifications of Uus-Pärnu and served as the town prison for many years. It is the only surviving defensive tower of the Hanseatic town of Uus-Pärnu and the oldest surviving building in Pärnu.

Since the end of 2020, the Red Tower has housed a branch of Pärnu Museum that complements its permanent exhibition and presents the story of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu. In the innovative circular panoramic cinema on the tower’s attic floor, you can watch a 10-minute animated film about the history of the area: “A History of Mercy and Mercilessness: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower.” At the film’s centre is the view from the visitor’s position, spanning from the Ice Age to the present day. We see geographical changes in the area where the town now stands and the town’s development, and find ourselves amid fascinating historical events.

The ticket includes a circular panoramic cinema screening and, if you wish, a brief introduction to the Red Tower’s history by a museum employee.

http://www.parnumuuseum.ee/torn

PLEASE NOTE THAT...

... The Red Tower courtyard is accessed through the gate on Hommiku Street. From the open gate, you can see the courtyard gallery and the tower—please feel free to come in.

... Only a limited number of people can fit in the small tower at one time. For this reason, a ticket allows you to stay in the tower for up to 30 minutes.

... If more than 10 people plan to visit the tower at the same time, please contact us in advance. To make sure the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, we also recommend that groups book a guided visit programme.

... The architecture of this medieval tower places significant limits on accessibility. Before buying a ticket, please make sure that the narrow, steep stairs and high thresholds will not prevent you from visiting the Red Tower.

Contact us:
visit@pernau.ee
+372 443 3488 (during the tower’s opening hours)