Journey Through Tallinn (Estonia) : 12 Fascinating historical museums to Discover
Welcome to Tallinn (Estonia) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a list of 12 top historical museums you must see. Discover 12 hidden historical museums gems to experience Tallinn (Estonia) like a local. Get ready to be amazed by 12 incredible historical museums that will leave a lasting impression.
Information about Tallinn (Estonia)
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and an ideal holiday destination if you want to combine the comforts of the modern world, diverse nightlife and luxurious adventures with a rich cultural scene in the local historical environment. Tallinn was first founded in the early Middle Ages, and the Old Town is one of the best preserved Hanseatic city centers in the world. Its attractive coastline is especially full of parks and sandy beaches during the summer, but offers stunning views of the city’s famous skyline throughout the year.
A list of the best Historical museums in Tallinn
Experience the best historical museums that Tallinn (Estonia) has to offer with our expertly chosen list of top-rated destinations. Our team has scoured visitor reviews and evaluations to bring you only the best options for your next adventure.
1- Seaplane Harbour
Seaplane Harbour – The Seaplane Harbor is an interesting maritime museum in Tallinn, Estonia. It features a real submarine from the mid-1930s, a seaplane, a 100-year-old icebreaker, cinemas, many simulators and much more; It is worth noting that there is an audio guide available in English, Estonian, Russian, Finnish, Latvian, French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. There is one of the most beautiful souvenir shops in this museum. After completing your tour, you can eat local food at the museum’s restaurant, Maru.
Place address: Vesilennuki 6, 10145 Tallinn, Estonia
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2- St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum
St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum – St. Nicholas Church was one of two parish churches in medieval Tallinn and one of the richest churches in the city. It was dedicated to the patron saint of merchants and sailors, Saint Nicholas, and is believed to have been founded in the mid-13th century. If you are a fan of learning about the culture and history of monuments, you should visit this church rich in interesting historical information.
Place address: Niguliste 3, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia
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3- Museum of Coastal Folk
Museum of Coastal Folk – The Coastal Folk Museum is located in the ancient seaside village of Brinje. The exhibitions and educational and experiential programs of the museum focus on the multifaceted history and culture of the Estonian coastal people and on promoting contemporary marine and coastal culture. A fun marine-themed playroom allows young visitors to catch a bug of marine life, so don’t miss visiting with Your family and children to get to know him closely and gain new information.
Place address: Nurme tee 3, Pringi küla, Harjumaa, 74011 Harju maakond, Estonia
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4- Estonian History Museum – Great Guild Hall
Estonian History Museum – Great Guild Hall – The permanent exhibition at the Museum of Estonian History presents 11,000 years of Estonia’s history, helps to understand the merit of the people who lived in Estonia and presents the historical events that affected them the most. The Great Guild Hall is one of the most distinctive public buildings in this museum and in the city. Over the centuries a wide variety of events have been held in this hall from grand parties to church services and court proceedings.
Place address: Pikk 17, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia
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5- Tallinn Legends
Tallinn Legends – Legends of Tallinn is a tourist attraction as a theatrical and interactive museum in Tallinn. The museum recreates historical events and legends that contributed to the folklore of medieval Tallinn. A 40-minute Medieval Legends of Tallinn tour, there are 9 terrifying legends about Tallinn performed by professional actors and mechanical puppets. Storytelling, interactive displays, special effects and history come together to create an unforgettable experience available in English, Estonian, Russian and Finnish.
Place address: Kullassepa 7, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia
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6- Adamson-Eric Museum
Adamson-Eric Museum – The Adamson Erik Museum (1902-1968) is dedicated to the artist Adamson Erik, one of the most creative figures in Estonian art of the 20th century. He was mainly known as a brilliant painter, and was also skilled in almost all fields of applied art. If you are a fan of art, do not miss visiting this museum to get acquainted with it closely with your family.
Place address: Lühike jalg 3, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
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7- Russian Museum in Tallinn
Russian Museum in Tallinn – The Tallinn Russian Museum explores and exhibits Russian culture in Estonia and organizes excursions and educational activities in cooperation with the Peter the Great House Museum. An exhibition on Russian education in Tallinn from 1715 to 1944 is opened in the museum’s medieval building; Do not miss his visit with family and friends to learn about the history of this country.
Place address: Pikk 29A, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
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8- Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels
Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels – The military structures of the Keck und Kock Museum and the Bastion Tunnels provide an overview of Tallinn’s defensive history from the Middle Ages to the present. Keck und Kock is an artillery tower from the 15th century and houses a museum dedicated to Tallinn’s fortifications and weapons. The adjacent Bastion Tunnels date back to the 1670s and were built during Swedish rule to transport soldiers and ammunition, then converted into bomb shelters during World War II and further modified during the Soviet period with the addition of electricity, running water, ventilation and telephones; There is a slow train ride that gives visitors a glimpse of the evolution of the tunnels over time.
Place address: Komandandi tee 2, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
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9- Tallinn City Museum
Tallinn City Museum – Housed in a 14th-century merchant’s house, the Tallinn City Museum provides an excellent introduction to Tallinn’s history by covering all the vital aspects of the city’s past and development. The different sectors of medieval society are explained using a combination of text, artefacts, mock-ups and sound effects. High-quality performances on the upper floors are devoted to 20th-century life and its turbulent wars, Soviet occupation, and finally Estonia’s restoration of its independence.
Place address: Vene 17, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia
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10- Maiden Tower Museum-Cafe
Maiden Tower Museum-Cafe – The Maiden’s Tower, previously built as a defense tower in the 14th century, has had a rich history as a home for artists and a popular pub. Nowadays, you can sip a coffee in the fancy café, walk along the city wall for some great views, or explore displays that illustrate Tallinn’s café culture, pastry makers and the fascinating story of the tower itself.
Place address: Lühike jalg 9A, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
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11- KGB Museum
KGB Museum – Those interested in the city’s secret history can take a guided tour of the KGB Museum on the 23rd floor of Hotel Pharaoh. It was rumored in Soviet times that the KGB had files on everyone and that its agents worked at the Hotel Fero, so the rumors turned out to be true, as you will see on the fascinating tour of this museum. Not only will you get an idea of what the clients were like, but you’ll also get some great insight into the history of the hotel, which was intended for foreign guests visiting the Soviet Union.
Place address: Viru väljak 4, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia
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12- KGB Prison Cells
KGB Prison Cells – The former KGB (State Security Committee) headquarters in Tallinn is located in the heart of the Old Town. The building has long been a symbol of the former Soviet oppression in Estonia, as for thousands of Estonians, the path of suffering began from here. In 1941 the Estonian Commissariat of the Soviet Socialist Republic (ESSR) established prison cells in the basement of the building, where suspected enemies of the state were imprisoned and interrogated before being shot or sent to labor camps in Siberia. The purpose of the basement windows was to muffle the sounds of interrogations and torture; Although the detention center was used until 1950, the actions taken between the walls are still fresh in the memories to this day.
Place address: Pagari 1 sissepääs, Pikk 59, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
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Conclusion
As your journey through Tallinn (Estonia) comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Tallinn (Estonia) such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!