Eesti Teatri- ja Muusikamuuseum

About the museum

The Eesti Teatri- ja Muusikamuuseum (Estonian Theatre and Music Museum) officially began on 22 March 1924, when the Peeter Süda Mälestuse Jäädvustamise Ühing (Peeter Süda Memorial Society) was registered to preserve the legacy of the composer and organist. From 1929 onwards, materials of all Estonian composers and music figures began to be collected, and in 1931 the institution was renamed the Muusikamuuseumi Ühing (Music Museum Society). Its first location was Kadriorg Palace; in 1933 it moved to the Assauwe torn of the Tallinn Conservatory, whose doors opened to visitors on 1 March 1934.

Collecting materials on theatre began in the first decade of the 20th century, when the actor and stage director Heino Vaks started the work, and in 1937 theatre people founded the Teatrimuuseumi Ühing (Theatre Museum Society). In 1941 the music and theatre museum collections were merged and the Teatri- ja Muusikamuuseum was created. In 1982 a branch was opened on Tina tänav, the Andres Särevi Kortermuuseum (Andres Särev Flat Museum). In 2019 the museum joined the Eesti Ajaloomuuseum.

The museum is located in the Old Town of Tallinn, in a building connected to the historic city wall. The most distinctive part of the building is the medieval Assauwe torn, more than 600 years old, built around 1400 on top of the first raised section of the city wall; all floors of the tower can now be visited. On 28 March 2026 the museum opened the activity exhibition “Tahan mängida!” (I Want to Play!), which fills the entire building.

Highlights

• Activity exhibition “Tahan mängida!” (I Want to Play!) with costume trying-on, musical instruments and the backstage area
• Stage models, costumes and props from Estonian theatres
• Medieval Assauwe torn, more than 600 years old, beside the city wall
• Family-friendly museum, especially suited to 7–11-year-olds

Permanent exhibition

• Tahan mängida! – The activity exhibition fills the entire museum building and takes visitors from idea to stage. Children can try on costumes, explore musical instruments and peek into the backstage rooms of a theatre. The exhibition is open until the end of 2028.

Founded

1924

Operated by

Eesti Ajaloomuuseum SA

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Admission is free on 22 March (the museum’s birthday), 18 May (International Museum Day) and 1 October (International Music Day).

The Museum Card is not valid at the Eesti Teatri- ja Muusikamuuseum. Free admission on presentation of a document applies to holders of the TallinnCard and Cultour Card, ICOM members, employees of Estonian museums and members of the Estonian Museum Association, victims of repression, journalists who present a press card, and Ukrainian citizens. CLUB ONE card holders receive a 15% discount on the full-price and family tickets.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

There is no wheelchair access.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The activity exhibition is for everyone who enjoys play, especially children aged 7–11; children can try on costumes and explore musical instruments. Not all exhibits may suit very young children, but there are also quieter areas. The exhibition also comes with experiential learning lessons and birthday programmes.

Getting there & parking

Bicycles can be left on the street near the main door.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit