Which museums in Tallinn should a tourist visit?

Tallinn, the beautiful and historic capital of Estonia, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. With its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored old buildings, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to the northern city every year. But what should you do when you’re in Tallinn? One of the best activities for a tourist is to explore the many museums on offer, providing fascinating insight into the city’s history and culture. Here is a list of the best museums to visit in Tallinn:

Kumu Art Museum

The Kumu Art Museum is one of Tallinn’s top cultural attractions. Located at the edge of Kadriorg Park, it houses the largest collection of classical and modern art in Estonia. Inside, you can admire works by some of the world’s most famous artists, including Rembrandt, Klimt and Monet. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year, and the museum also has a café where you can grab a bite to eat while admiring the art.

Tallinn City Museum

The Tallinn City Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the city. Here, you can explore eight permanent exhibitions that tell the story of Tallinn from its centuries-old beginning to its modern-day life. The museum also houses a vast array of artifacts from past eras, such as coins, furniture and toys. And if that’s not enough, there are regular special exhibitions, guided tours and even workshops for children.

Estonian Maritime Museum

If you’re a fan of maritime history, then you won’t want to miss a trip to the Estonian Maritime Museum. Located in the historic Seaplane Harbour area, it tells the story of Estonia’s relationship with the Baltic Sea through interactive displays and exhibits. Here, you can discover how sea trade has shaped Estonian culture, as well as explore various artifacts related to ships, navigation and underwater exploration. The museum also boasts a fleet of historical vessels, including submarines and boats from different eras.

Occupation Museum

The Occupation Museum is a powerful reminder of Estonia’s turbulent past as it documents the Soviet occupation between 1940 and 1991. Through interactive displays and multimedia installations, visitors can explore the full extent of these dark years and learn about the people who faced persecution during this difficult period in the country’s history. The museum organizes regular special exhibitions, lectures and tours, providing an insight into Estonian history that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Estonian Open Air Museum

A trip to the Estonian Open Air Museum is a must for any traveler to Estonia. Located just outside Tallinn, this vast open-air museum sprawls across 110 hectares of forested land and showcases rural life in Estonia over a 400-year period. Here, you can explore traditional wooden houses and barns, villages with local crafts and even religious settlements that date back to 18th century in some cases. The museum also hosts workshops and activities throughout the year, providing an immersive experience into traditional Estonian culture.

Conclusion

With so many excellent museums to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one when deciding which museums in Tallinn you should visit. But no matter which ones you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll get an insight into Estonia’s history and culture like nowhere else. Whether it’s admiring art inside the Kumu Art Museum or exploring local traditions at the Estonian Open Air Museum, Tallinn has museums to suit every visitor. For more information about visiting museums in Tallinn, VisitTallinn is a great resource.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Tallinn’s Most Fascinating Museums

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is not just a haven for digital nomads and backpackers looking for an affordable place to visit in Europe. It is also home to a rich cultural heritage, including a plethora of museums that showcase the city’s history and culture. Here is a comprehensive guide to the top museums you should visit while in Tallinn.

The Estonian History Museum

The Estonian History Museum is the perfect place to start your museum tour in Tallinn. It is located in the heart of the Old Town and offers insights into the rich history of Estonia from prehistoric times to the modern era. The museum’s permanent exhibition includes displays of archaeological artifacts, costume collections, medieval arms and armor, and interactive exhibits that allow you to experience Estonian life from different periods.

The Kumu Art Museum

Kumu Art Museum is the largest art museum in the Baltics and is one of the most impressive museums in Tallinn. It is located in a modern building that features both permanent and temporary exhibitions of contemporary and classical art from Estonia and other countries. Some of the highlights of the museum’s collection include Estonian art from the 18th century up to the present day, as well as works by international artists.

The Seaplane Harbour Museum

The Seaplane Harbour Museum is a must-visit museum for anyone interested in maritime history. It is located on the shore of Tallinn Bay, in the renovated seaplane hangars of the Estonian Navy. The museum’s collection includes historic seaplanes, warships, torpedoes, mines, and other marine technology. You can even explore a submarine that was used during the Soviet era.

The Estonian Open-Air Museum

The Estonian Open-Air Museum is an excellent place to experience rural Estonian life in the 18th and 19th centuries. This unique museum, located in the forested part of Tallinn’s Rocca al Mare neighborhood, features over 70 historic buildings that have been brought from all over Estonia and reconstructed on the museum’s grounds. Visitors can explore farmhouses, windmills, and churches and participate in traditional handicraft workshops.

The Occupation Museum

The Occupation Museum offers a sobering look at Estonia’s complicated 20th-century history. Located in the former KGB headquarters in Tallinn’s Old Town, this museum covers the period between 1940 and 1991, when Estonia was occupied by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The museum features interactive exhibits, including film screenings and photographs, that depict the harsh realities of life under totalitarian regimes.

Local Dining Spots

Tallinn is home to many restaurants that offer traditional Estonian cuisine, including fish and seafood dishes, sausages, and roasted meats. Some of the most popular local dining spots include Rataskaevu 16, which is famous for its rustic interior and hearty Estonian food; Leib Resto ja Aed, which offers a sophisticated take on traditional Estonian cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients; and Neh, which is known for its inventive cocktails and innovative dishes inspired by Nordic flavors.

Cultural Experiences

In addition to museums, Tallinn also offers many cultural experiences that are quintessentially Estonian. The Estonian Song and Dance Festival, which takes place every five years, is a massive celebration of traditional Estonian music and dancing that draws thousands of performers and spectators from across the country. Other cultural highlights include the Tallinn Architecture Biennale and the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, which features independent and international films.

Local History

Tallinn’s history is intertwined with that of Estonia as a whole. The city was founded in the 13th century by the Germanic Knights of the Sword and served as the capital of an independent Estonia from 1918 to 1940. During the Soviet era, the city saw widespread urbanization and development, which has left its mark on the city’s architecture. Today, Tallinn is a vibrant city that values its history while also looking toward the future.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

If you want to experience Tallinn beyond its tourist hotspots, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path suggestions to explore. For example, you can take a stroll along the Kadriorg Promenade, which starts in the Kadriorg Park and leads to the sea. Another great option is to visit Telliskivi Creative City, a hub for creatives that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike and cycle along the coastline from Tallinn to the nearby city of Viimsi.