Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and 360° 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 New Pärnu and served as the town prison for many years. It is the only surviving defensive tower of the Hanseatic town of New 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 tells the story of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu. In the tower’s attic, a newly opened 360° panoramic cinema screens a 10-minute animated film about local history, “A Ruthless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower”. The film centres on the view from the visitor’s location, spanning the Ice Age to the present day. It shows geographical changes in the area and the town’s development, and takes viewers into the midst of fascinating historical events.

The ticket includes a 360° panoramic cinema screening 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.
• The small tower can accommodate only a limited number of people at a time. A purchased ticket therefore allows you to spend up to 30 minutes in the tower.
• If more than 10 people are planning 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 programme.
• The medieval tower’s architecture 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)