Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and 360° 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 city 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 tells the story of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu. On the tower’s attic floor, a new 360° panoramic cinema screens a 10-minute animated film about the area’s history, “A Ruthless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower.” At its heart is a view from the visitor’s position, spanning the Ice Age to the present day. The film shows geographical changes in the area and the development of the city, and brings viewers into the midst of fascinating historical events.

The ticket includes a screening in the 360° panoramic cinema and, if requested, 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. You can see the courtyard gallery and tower through the open gate—please feel free to come in.

Only a limited number of people can be inside the small tower at one time. Your ticket therefore 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 make sure the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, we also recommend that groups book a guided visit programme.

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