Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Circular Panorama Cinema

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

In the innovative circular panorama cinema on the tower’s attic floor, visitors can watch 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, from the Ice Age to the present day. It shows geographical changes in the area and the development of the city, 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 courtyard of the Red Tower is accessed through the gate on Hommiku Street. From the open gate you can see the courtyard gallery and tower—please come in.

… Only a limited number of people can fit in the small tower at one time. Therefore, a purchased 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 make sure the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, we also recommend that groups book a guided visit programme.

… The architecture of the medieval tower 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)