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 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 the end of 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. In the innovative circular panoramic cinema on the tower’s attic floor, visitors can watch a 10-minute animated film about the area’s history, “A Ruthless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower.” The film centres on the view from the viewer’s location, from the Ice Age to the present day. It shows geographical changes at the site of the town and the town’s development, and takes viewers into the midst of fascinating historical events. The ticket includes a screening in the circular panoramic cinema and, if desired, a brief introduction to the Red Tower’s history by a museum employee.

http://www.parnumuuseum.ee/torn

PLEASE NOTE THAT...

... The courtyard of the Red Tower is accessed through the gate on Hommiku Street. You can see the courtyard gallery and tower through the open gate; feel free to come in.

... Only a limited number of people can be inside the small tower at one time. Therefore, a purchased ticket allows visitors to stay in the tower for up to 30 minutes.

... If more than 10 people are planning to visit the tower at the same time, please contact us in advance. To ensure that the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, we also recommend that groups book a guided visit programme.

... The architecture of the medieval tower places significant restrictions on accessibility. Before purchasing tickets, we recommend making 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)