Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Circular Panoramic 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 for many years as the city prison. It is the only surviving defensive tower of the Hanseatic city 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 the museum’s permanent exhibition and presents the story 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 region’s history: “A Ruthless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower”. The film centres on the view from the viewer’s location, from the Ice Age to the present day. It shows geographical changes at the site of the city and the city’s development, and takes viewers into the midst of fascinating historical events.

The ticket includes a circular panoramic cinema screening and, if requested, a brief introduction to the Red Tower’s history by a museum staff member.

http://www.parnumuuseum.ee/torn

PLEASE NOTE:

• The Red Tower courtyard can be accessed through the gate on Hommiku Street. From the open gate, you can see the courtyard gallery and the tower—please come in.
• Only a limited number of people can be inside the small tower at one time. Your ticket therefore 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 missed, we also recommend that groups book a guided visit programme.
• The medieval tower’s architecture places significant limits on accessibility. Before buying a ticket, please make sure that 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).