Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Panoramic Cinema

Built in the 15th century at the southeastern 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 the museum’s permanent exhibition and presents the story of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu.

On the tower’s attic floor, a new panoramic cinema offers a 10-minute animated film about the region’s history: “A History Both Merciless and Merciful: 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. We see geographical changes at the site of the city and its development, and find ourselves amid fascinating historical events.

The ticket includes a screening in the panoramic cinema and, if you wish, a brief 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. 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 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 guided programme.

... The architecture of this medieval tower places significant limitations 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)