Mulgi Elamuskeskus
The Mulgi Elamuskeskus (Mulgi Experience Centre) is in the former Sooglemäe farm in Ala village and presents the Mulgi language, food, folk costumes and the secrets of success of the Mulgi people in a contemporary permanent exhibition.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The centre operates on the seven-hectare Sooglemäe farm complex in Tõrva rural municipality in Mulgimaa. The Mulgi manor house was built at the end of the 19th or the beginning of the 20th century, and its original building details have survived. The exhibition building, with a glass gallery in which the Mulgimaa ajatelg (Mulgimaa Timeline) is displayed, was built around the former stable building. The idea behind the exhibition is that it can never be completely finished, but continually develops and renews itself.
Highlights
- Mulgi manor house with the introductory exhibition “Kes on mulk?”
- Mulgimaa Timeline in a glass gallery around the old stable building
- Interactive permanent exhibition on two floors: “Kas mulgiks saadakse või sünnitakse?” and “Kas mulk valitseb maad ja ilma?”
- Farmyard animals: rabbits, sheep, goats and ponies
- Walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas on the seven-hectare site
Permanent exhibition
- Mulgi Elamuskeskuse püsiekspositsioon – The manor house answers the question of who a mulk is and what a Mulgi farm was like. In the exhibition building a glass gallery runs around the old stable building, where the Mulgimaa ajatelg is displayed, and on two floors the Mulgi language, food, folk costumes, famous mulks and the secrets of their success are presented.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Children aged 8–18, pupils and students, pensioners, people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 7 · Children up to and including 7 years of age enter free. |
| Seniors | €7 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7companion free · The companion of a person with a disability enters free. |
| Students & apprentices | €7 |
| Groups (20+ people) | –For groups of 20 or more people there is a 10% discount on the current price list; the whole group's visit must be bought at the same time. The group is booked by e-mail at least 24 hours in advance. |
| Families | €25Up to two adults and children of the family up to and including 16 years of age. |
| Guided tour in Estonian (by advance booking) | €60 |
| Guided tour in the Mulgi dialect (by advance booking) | €80 |
| Guided tour in a foreign language (English, Russian, Swedish, Finnish, German; by advance booking) | €120 |
Entry is free with the Museum Card. The guided tour is not included in the ticket price.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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
Visitors with mobility impairments have a separate car park, and the entrance is via the upper car park, where there is a doorbell at the gate. The ramp leading to the manor house suits prams but is too steep for a wheelchair. In the exhibition building a lift serves the first floor. The manor house and the exhibition building have separate toilets for visitors with special needs. Visitors with special needs can use the help of a visit guide if they give advance notice.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 7 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €25 · Up to two adults and children of the family up to and including 16 years of age. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
Farmyard animals (rabbits, sheep, goats, ponies), two playgrounds and walking trails. The toilets have changing tables. Special events for children are organised from time to time, for example pony rides.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
By public transport you need to reach Ala village; from there it is about a 1 km walk to the centre. Bus information is on the tpilet.ee website.
By car
Parking available
Visitors with mobility impairments have a separate car park in the upper part.
- Accessible parking
The centre is 1 km from Taagepera, 17 km from Tõrva, 46 km from Valga and 45 km from Viljandi.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The café serves Mulgi food (for example Mulgi porridge); larger groups should book in advance.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Parties, seminars and concerts can be held in the buildings and the outdoor area.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The buildings and outdoor areas can be visited on your own or with a guide. Groups are offered educational and entertainment programmes and workshops (for example a Mulgi porridge workshop). |