Eesti Tervisemuuseum

About the museum

The idea of an Eesti Tervishoiu Muuseum (Estonian Health Museum) was initiated in the 1920s by Professor Aleksander Rammul, head of the Institute of Health Care of the University of Tartu. The first exhibition opened in Tartu on 21 December 1924; in 1929 the museum moved into its own building on Pepleri Street. The Tallinn branch began work on 4 March 1928. After 1944 the museum no longer operated under its earlier conditions.

The museum was reopened in Tallinn on 31 January 1980 as the Health Museum of the Vabariiklik Sanitaarharidusmaja (Republican Sanitary Education House), initially in rooms of the Tallinn Medical School on Tüve Street. Two medieval buildings on Laia Street were restored in 1986–1989, and from 1 August 1989 the museum has been an independent institution called Eesti Tervishoiu Muuseum.

The current permanent exhibition “Avameelselt Sinu kehast” (Openly About Your Body) opened in May 2015. It presents the structure and function of the human body system by system and also deals with birth, sexuality, addictions, ageing and death. On display are explanatory diagrams, wax and plastic models and plastinates, as well as electronic, mechanical and audiovisual interactive exhibits.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Avameelselt Sinu kehast” (Openly About Your Body) on two floors
• Anatomical wax and plastic models and plastinates
• Interactive electronic, mechanical and audiovisual exhibits
• Two restored medieval buildings on Laia Street
• Museum lessons, guided tours and programmes for children

Permanent exhibition

• Avameelselt Sinu kehast – A contemporary permanent exhibition on anatomy and health in two medieval buildings. The first part presents the structure and function of the human body system by system; the second part deals with birth, sexuality, addictions, ageing and death.

Founded

1922

Operated by

SA Eesti Tervishoiu Muuseum

Admission & discounts

Free admission for holders of the museum card and TallinnCard, victims of repression, staff of Estonian museums, members of the Estonian Museum Association, holders of ICOM cards and journalists (by arrangement with the museum). Tickets can be bought online (Fienta) or on site.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibitions are on the first and second floors. There is no standard lift, but there is a platform lift that accommodates only narrow-frame wheelchairs (platform width 59.5 cm); the museum has a narrower wheelchair on site, and staff help with transfers. Visits must be booked in advance on weekdays 9:00–17:00 by telephone at +372 511 1732 or by e-mail at bron@tervisemuuseum.ee. The accessible toilet is by the cash desk.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children over 9 may visit the museum on their own; younger children must be accompanied by an adult, and children up to 8 enter free. The museum organises museum lessons, children’s birthday parties and city summer camps. The changing table is in the accessible toilet by the cash desk.

Getting there & parking

From Raekoja plats it is about 5 minutes on foot to the museum: via Saia käik, across Pika Street, through Börsi käik and then right onto Laia Street. There is a bicycle park in front of the museum.

Amenities & dining

Food and sealed drinks can be left at the cash desk and eaten before or after visiting the exhibitions. There is a drinking-water dispenser on the ground floor.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit