Pärnu Red Tower Museum and Circular Panorama Cinema

Built in the southeastern corner of the town wall in the 15th century, the Red Tower was 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 the museum’s permanent exhibition and presents the story 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 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 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. From the open gate, you can see the courtyard gallery and the tower—please feel free to come in.

Only a limited number of people can be inside the small tower at one time. 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 the same time, please contact us in advance. To ensure the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, 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 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).