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 as the town’s 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 history of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu. On the tower’s attic floor, a state-of-the-art circular panorama cinema screens a 10-minute animated film about local history, “A Ruthless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower.” At the heart of the film is the view from the viewer’s location, from the Ice Age to the present day. We see geographical changes in the area where the town now stands and the town’s development, and find ourselves amid fascinating historical events. The ticket includes a screening in the circular panorama cinema and, if you wish, a short introduction to the Red Tower’s history by a museum employee.

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.

... The small tower can accommodate only a limited number of people at a time. For this reason, your ticket allows you to stay in the tower for up to 30 minutes.

... If more than 10 people plan to visit the tower at once, 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 architecture of this medieval tower presents significant accessibility challenges. 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)