Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Circular Panoramic Cinema

The Red Tower, built in the southeastern corner of the city wall in the 15th century, was part of the fortifications of medieval New Pärnu and served as the city 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 the end of 2020, the Red Tower has housed a branch of Pärnu Museum that supplements the museum’s permanent exhibition and tells the story of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu.

In the tower’s attic, a modern 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 from the Ice Age to the present day. The film shows geographical changes in the area where the city now stands and the city’s development, 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 history of the Red Tower by a museum employee.

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; feel free to come in.
• Only a limited number of people can fit 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 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 places significant restrictions on accessibility. 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)