Pärnu Red Tower Museum and Circular Panorama Cinema

Built in the 15th century at the southeastern corner of the town wall, the Red Tower formed 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 late 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.

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

The ticket includes a screening in the circular panorama cinema and, if desired, a brief introduction to the history of the Red Tower 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 come on in.
• Only a limited number of people can be inside the small tower at one time. Purchased tickets therefore allow visitors to stay in the tower for up to 30 minutes.
• If more than 10 people plan to visit the tower at once, please contact us in advance. To make sure the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, we recommend that groups also book a guided visit 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)