Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Circular Panoramic Cinema

Built in the 15th century at the southeast 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 late 2020, the Red Tower has housed a branch of Pärnu Museum that complements its permanent exhibition and presents the history of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu.

On the tower’s attic floor, a novel circular panoramic cinema screens a 10-minute animated film about the area’s history: “A Harsh and Merciful History. 15,000 Years Through 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 where the city stands and the city’s development, 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. You can see the courtyard gallery and tower through the open gate—please come in.
• The small tower can accommodate only a limited number of people at a 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 ensure the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, we recommend that groups also book a guided programme.
• The medieval tower’s architecture imposes significant accessibility limitations. Before purchasing 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).