Maarjamäe loss

About the museum

The site of Maarjamäe Palace was known for centuries as Strietberg (Riiumägi) and was one of Tallinn's summer resorts. The first small summer manor here was probably built at the end of the 17th century by town councillor Christian von Geldern. In 1811 the plot was bought by merchant Johan Gottlieb Clementz, who built a sugar factory there, after which the place came to be called Suhkrumäe. In 1861 the factory was acquired by Christian Abraham Rotermann, who established Tallinn's first steam mill; the factory was destroyed by a fire in 1869. In 1873 the plot was bought by Count Anatoli Orlov-Davydov, who named the place Marienberg. The Estonian name Maarjamäe came into use at the end of the 1930s.

In 1933 the Riviera-Palais restaurant-hotel opened in the palace, and in 1937 the Military Flying School of the Republic of Estonia. In the Soviet period the building was divided into apartments with shared kitchens. Polish restorers rebuilt the exterior in 1983–1988, and at the end of 1987 a permanent exhibition under the name Revolutsioonimuuseum (Revolution Museum) opened there.

On the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia the Eesti Ajaloomuuseum (Estonian History Museum) opened the doors of Maarjamäe Palace as an experiential history centre: the historic building has been renovated, and the park is home to the Film Museum, recreation areas and outdoor exhibitions.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Minu vaba riik” in nine rooms
• Laste Vabariik: a playful exhibition section for 5–12-year-olds
• Historic summer manor with a palace park beside the Pirita road
• Maarjamäe Resto in the palace rooms
• Film Museum in the same palace park

Permanent exhibition

• Minu vaba riik – The exhibition takes visitors through one hundred years of the Republic of Estonia, from its birth to the present day. In nine rooms it covers the birth of the state and the War of Independence, life in the young republic in the 1930s, the Second World War and the loss of statehood, life in the Soviet Union, the restoration of independence in 1991 and contemporary Estonia. Events and choices are presented through objects, memorial fragments, film stills and the atmosphere of the rooms; visitors can also take part themselves, for example by reading the Independence Manifesto from the balcony of the Endla Theatre or standing in the Baltic Chain.

Operated by

Eesti Ajaloomuuseum SA

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On 19 February (the birthday of the Eesti Ajaloomuuseum) and 18 May (International Museum Day) admission is free.

Holders of the Muuseumikaart (Museum Card) enter free. Free entry is also granted to holders of the TallinnCard and Cultour Card, ICOM members, employees of Estonian museums, journalists who present a press card, and citizens of Ukraine who present a document. Holders of the CLUB ONE card receive a 15% discount on full and family tickets.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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

Wheelchair users can reach all the Maarjamäe buildings and exhibitions. From the Pirita road, turn right after the Lauluväljak bus stop, keep left and drive along the ramp to the main gate. Car drivers who need it can call the security guard on +372 696 8630, who will open the entrance. Separate visitor information is available for visitors with visual impairments.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The Laste Vabariik, a children's exhibition mainly for 5–12-year-olds, belongs to the permanent exhibition: there children can elect a president, play a minister, draw up a budget and weigh the consequences of their actions. To complete the exhibition, children receive the Sinise Lõvi (Blue Lion) puzzle game; the activity sheet is available from the box office. Children up to 8 years of age enter free.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle racks are located in the forecourt of the palace and by the rear gate of the palace park.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The palace houses Maarjamäe Resto, open Wed–Sun 11:00–18:00.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The palace rooms and the courtyard can be booked for events; bookings by e-mail to tellimus@ajaloomuuseum.ee.

Plan your visit