Pärnu Red Tower Museum and Circular Panoramic Cinema

Built in the 15th century in the southeastern corner of the town wall, the Red Tower was part of the medieval fortifications of Uus-Pärnu and served as the town’s 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, complementing its permanent exhibition and presenting the history of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu.

On the tower’s attic floor, a state-of-the-art circular panoramic cinema screens a 10-minute animated film about the area’s history: “A Ruthless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower.” At its centre is the view from the visitor’s location, from the Ice Age to the present day. The film shows geographical changes in the area and the development of the town, and takes viewers into the midst of fascinating historical events.

The ticket includes a screening in the circular panoramic cinema and, if you wish, a short introduction to the Red Tower’s history by a museum staff member.
http://www.parnumuuseum.ee/torn

PLEASE NOTE:

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. Therefore, your ticket allows you to stay in the tower for up to 30 minutes.

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

The medieval tower’s architecture imposes significant accessibility limitations. 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)