Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Circular Panoramic Cinema

Built in the 15th century at the southeastern corner of the town wall, the Red Tower was part of the medieval fortifications of New Pärnu and served as the town’s prison for many years. It is the only surviving defensive tower of the Hanseatic town of New 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 tells 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 history of the area: “A Merciless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower.” At its centre is the view from the visitor’s location, spanning the Ice Age to the present day. The film shows geographical changes in the area and the development of the town, 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. 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 in the small tower at one time. Your ticket therefore permits 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 make sure the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, we recommend that groups also book a guided visit programme.

The medieval tower’s architecture imposes significant accessibility restrictions. 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)