Eesti Rahva Muuseum

About the museum

The Eesti Rahva Muuseum (Estonian National Museum) was founded in Tartu in 1909 and has become the centre for collecting and researching Estonian folk culture and everyday life. Its collections include objects, photographs, archive materials, audiovisual recordings and works of art.

The present main building on Raadi, on the edge of Tartu, opened in 2016. Next to the museum lies Raadi Park, where a sculpture park created jointly by the Tartu Art Museum and the Estonian National Museum can be visited at any time that suits you; it is free of charge.

The permanent exhibition “Kohtumised” tells the story of Estonian folk culture and everyday life. The Finno-Ugric permanent exhibition “Uurali kaja” introduces related peoples, including the peoples of the Perm and Volga regions. The building also has a hall for temporary exhibitions. The museum’s branch is the Heimtali Museum in Viljandi County; a whole-house ticket allows a visit there once within half a year.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Kohtumised” on Estonian folk culture and everyday life
• Finno-Ugric permanent exhibition “Uurali kaja”
• Hall for temporary exhibitions
• Raadi sculpture park
• Play forest for children
• Restaurant Pööripäev

Permanent exhibitions

• Kohtumised – Permanent exhibition on Estonian folk culture and everyday life. Its sub-exhibitions present, among other things, traditional costumes of Western Estonia, a timeline on the Estonian carpet and the Estonian flag.
• Uurali kaja – Finno-Ugric permanent exhibition whose rooms present the culture of related peoples, including the peoples of the Perm and Volga regions.

Founded

1909

Admission & discounts

The whole-house ticket entitles the holder to visit all exhibitions an unlimited number of times on the day of purchase, and once within half a year to the Heimtali Museum. On the second Sunday of every month, ERM tickets are 50% cheaper (not valid for annual passes or group visits). Holders of the Perekaart (family card) for families with several children pay the family ticket price regardless of the number and age of the children. Also free: persons who were repressed, conscripts, Estonian museum staff, and members of ICOM and the Estonian Museums Association.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

Wheelchair users can also move between floors. Two wheelchairs and two rollators are available free of charge. Accessible toilets are in the foyers of both entrances, near the entrance to the restaurant and café, and in the halls of the Estonian permanent exhibition. The exhibition halls and the theatre and conference hall have no induction loop. Noise-reducing headphones can be borrowed from the information desk. Some exhibitions have online tours with audio description, and tours and workshops include tactile materials; an on-site companion must be booked five working days in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Play forest and family room for children, children’s audio guide “Kohtumised”, escape room, and birthday programmes for children and adults. Small means of transport (scooters, pushchairs) are left in the designated area or folded and taken to the cloakroom.

Getting there & parking

In general only entrance A is open; entrance B opens for special events. From the city centre you can walk or cycle along Roosi Street to Muuseumi tee. The Tartu city bicycle rental point is opposite the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Restaurant Pööripäev and a café; museum shop and e-shop. The cloakroom has lockable storage lockers.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Conferences, seminars, concerts, parties and receptions. Rooms, technical support and catering are arranged with the museum.

Plan your visit