Eesti Sõjamuuseum – kindral Laidoneri muuseum

About the museum

The Eesti Sõjamuuseum (Estonian War Museum) is located in Viimsi Manor, which belonged to General Johan Laidoner, commander-in-chief in the War of Independence. The permanent exhibitions give an overview of the wars that Estonians have fought throughout history, from prehistory to the foreign missions of the Estonian Defence Forces.

In the main building there are separate exhibitions on the First World War and the War of Independence, on Estonian national defence from 1920 to 1940 and from 1991, on the Second World War in Estonia and on the Cold War. The life of General Laidoner and his wife Maria, the weapons collection, the history of Estonian military uniforms and the Kaitseliit (Defence League) are presented separately. Visitors can see the general’s study, a Forest Brothers bunker and a real tank.

A few hundred metres away, on Vehema road, is a military-equipment hangar which mainly displays artillery pieces and armoured vehicles from the years 1930–1960, including guns donated by the Finnish War Museum and the T-34/85 known as the Narva tank monument.

Highlights

• General Laidoner’s study at Viimsi Manor
• Forest Brothers bunker and a real tank
• Military-equipment hangar: artillery, armoured vehicles and the T-34/85 from Narva
• Mängustaap (children’s play area)

Permanent exhibitions

• Vanem sõjaajalugu – Estonian military history from prehistory to the early 21st century.
• Esimene maailmasõda ja Vabadussõda (1914–1920) – Overview of the First World War and the War of Independence.
• OMA VÄGI. Eesti riigikaitse 1920–1940 ja alates 1991 – The creation, re-establishment and development of national defence.
• Teine maailmasõda ja Eesti (1941–1944) – New permanent exhibition on the Second World War in Estonia.
• Külm sõda (1946–1991) – The Cold War period in Estonia.
• Kindral Johan Laidoner – The life and work of General Laidoner and his study.
• Sõjatehnika angaar – Artillery, mortars and armoured vehicles, mostly from 1930–1960, and an exhibition on the service of Estonian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid in both the main building and the military-equipment hangar during their opening hours. The Museum Card and Tallinn Card are also valid. Visits to the Defence Forces Cemetery and the Defence Forces Academy museum are free. Booking a guided tour adds the price of the tour.

Accessibility

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

The whole exhibition area in Viimsi and the military-equipment hangar are wheelchair accessible; the main building has an accessible toilet. Well-behaved pets are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The Mängustaap children’s play area has a Forest Brothers bunker, a climbing wall and small military uniforms; children’s birthday parties with a workshop and cake; educational programmes for children of all ages.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A small museum shop sells books and souvenirs on military history, open Wednesday to Sunday 11:00–18:00; coffee and cake are offered during special events.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The museum’s rooms and yard can be booked for events.

Plan your visit