Energia avastuskeskus

About the museum

The Energia Discovery Centre is in central Tallinn, on Põhja puiestee, in the former building of Tallinn’s first power station, which was used as a power station from 1913 to 1979. The building has been renovated into a modern science centre; the historic turbines and generators and a century-old lift have been preserved.

The centre is run by the Foundation Tallinn Technology and Science Centre, whose founders are Enefit, Utilitas, the City of Tallinn and TalTech. The aim of the centre is to popularise the natural sciences among young people, to present energy, renewable energy and space, and to offer schools educational programmes in the MATIK field (the Estonian term for the mathematics, informatics and natural sciences subject area).

Visitors can try out the exhibits themselves, watch daily electrical demonstrations with Tesla transformers, and watch short films about space and natural phenomena in the 10-metre-diameter dome planetarium, which seats 38 visitors and is unique in Tallinn.

Highlights

• Daily electrical demonstrations with Tesla transformers in the historic electrical hall
• Dome planetarium with 38 seats and popular science films
• Exhibitions “Meie energia lugu” and “Solaride ja päikeseenergia”
• Interactive sound, light and optics exhibits
• Two audio guides: “Neoonvalguse säras” (Shining in Neon Light) and the history of electricity production in Estonia

Permanent exhibitions

• Meie energia lugu – The permanent exhibition gives an overview of energy production in Estonia and the energy sources used there: oil shale mining and shale oil production, wind and solar energy, and a comparison of fuels. Visitors can get their hands on the exhibits.
• Solaride ja päikeseenergia. Võimalus teha võimatut! – The permanent exhibition presents solar energy, the working principle, history and use of solar panels, and the story of the solar car Solaris built by young Estonians; visitors can try the role of the solar car’s driver.
• Energosfäär – The exhibition on the entrance level presents the planetary energy cycle and the conversion of energy; its central part is a playing wall, which shows that almost all the energy we use comes from the Sun.

Operated by

SA Tallinna Tehnika- ja Teaduskeskus

Admission & discounts

The full ticket costs €16 from Monday to Friday and €18 at weekends. The scheduled electrical demonstrations and planetarium sessions are included in the ticket price. Free admission for holders of the Museum Card (not valid for group visits), members of the Nordic Science Centres Association (NSCA), persons who were repressed on proof, and journalists with a valid press card. Discounts cannot be combined. Special prices apply to holders of the Family Card. Tickets are sold on Fienta and on site.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 centre has a lift that serves all floors. To reach the main entrance from the street you go down a flight of steps; with a pushchair or wheelchair you can use the glass door on the right of the main entrance: press the bell, and a visit guide will open the door and help you to the lift. The physics classroom and the Old Power Station Hall can be reached by the century-old lift. Guide dogs for the blind are permitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

The centre is designed for visitors of all ages, and visitors can get their hands on the exhibits. The pre-school ticket is valid for a child aged 3–6, who may enter the centre only with the adult who bought the ticket. Birthday parties, interest groups from age 4 and city summer camps are organised. A pushchair can enter through the glass door on the right of the main entrance.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in central Tallinn on Põhja puiestee. To reach the main entrance from the street you go down a flight of steps.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

On the entrance level there are a science shop, snack machines and tables for eating snacks and drinks; food and drinks may not be taken into the exhibition halls. The unattended cloakroom is in front of the ticket desk and to its left; the keys to the lockable lockers are issued at the ticket desk (if the key is lost the centre may charge €20 compensation).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The centre offers room rental, birthday room rental and science sessions for companies; bookings by phone at +372 5331 7307 or by email at telli@energiakeskus.ee.

Plan your visit