Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Circular Panorama Cinema

Built in the 15th century at the southeastern corner of the town wall, the Red Tower was part of the medieval fortifications of Uus-Pärnu and served for many years as the town prison. 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 complementing the permanent exhibition of Pärnu Museum, presenting 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 the local history, “A Merciless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower.” At its centre is the view from the viewer’s location, 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 requested, a short 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 the tower; please come in.
• Only a limited number of people can fit in the small tower at one time. A purchased ticket therefore 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 fascinating stories of the Red Tower are not overlooked, we also recommend that groups book a visit programme.
• The architecture of the medieval tower places significant limits on accessibility. 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)