Pärnu Muuseum
The largest museum in Pärnu County presents the history of Pärnu and Pärnumaa over 11,000 years, from the first settlement to the summer capital.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Pärnu Museum is the central history museum of Pärnumaa, with roots going back to the end of the 19th century, when a local research society began collecting and preserving the region’s heritage. The present main building is on Aida street. The museum also includes the Koidula Museum and the medieval Red Tower.
A new permanent exhibition, “Madonna ja võti. Manifest ja supelvanker” (Madonna and Key. Manifesto and Bathing Cart), opened on 21 February 2026. It tells the story of Pärnu and Pärnumaa in four parts: the beginning of settlement at the Pulli settlement site, the twin town on both banks of the river, the birth of the nation state, and the development of the spa into the summer capital. A separate section is the open storage, where visitors can see the museum’s own collections.
The building also has halls for temporary exhibitions, including the hall KALJAS on the third floor, and educational programmes for school groups.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition on 11,000 years of the history of Pärnu and Pärnumaa
- Finds from the Pulli settlement, unique in terms of Northern Europe
- The story of the twin town of Pärnu and its medieval urban space
- Proclamation of the Republic of Estonia in Pärnu on 23 February 1918
- Open storage where visitors can see the museum’s collections
Permanent exhibition
- UUS! Püsinäitus „Madonna ja võti. Manifest ja supelvanker“ – The exhibition tells the story of Pärnu and Pärnumaa from the beginning of settlement at the Pulli settlement site to the spa of the summer capital; a separate section is the open storage.
- Operated by
- SA Pärnu Muuseum
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €11Pensioners, holders of ISIC and ITIC cards, and students (on proof) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 8 · Children up to 8 years old enter free; children under 12 visit the museum accompanied by an adult. |
| Seniors | €11 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Visitors with disabilities up to 16 years old, and visitors with a profound disability aged 16 and over and older visitors, enter free with a companion (disability card). |
| Students & apprentices | €11Pupils and students with proof. |
| Groups | –The family ticket, the combined ticket and other free-admission rights do not apply to group bookings. |
| Families | €31Up to two adults and their minor children. |
| Supporter ticket (valid for one visitor) | €30 |
| Combined ticket for three branches (adult) | €23Pärnu Museum, Koidula Museum and the Red Tower; each building can be visited once. |
| Combined ticket for three branches (reduced) | €17 |
| Combined ticket for three branches (family ticket) | €48 |
| Combined ticket for three branches (supporter ticket) | €46 |
| Guided service in Estonian for up to 50 minutes (up to 25 people) | €50The ticket price for each visitor is added; book at least 3 working days in advance. |
| Guided service in a foreign language for up to 50 minutes (up to 25 people) | €55 |
| Guided service in Estonian for 1–1.5 hours (up to 25 people) | €60 |
| Guided service in a foreign language for 1–1.5 hours (up to 25 people) | €65 |
The museum card is not valid at Pärnu Museum. Tickets can be bought in advance via Fienta.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
The main entrance from Aida street is on the same level as the street and has an automatic door; the entrance from Põhja street has a covered ramp, and a lift leads to the foyer. The permanent exhibition is on two levels, which are reached by the lift or the ramp. The ticket office has an induction loop, and two exhibits in the Hall of the Birth of the Nation have a hearing aid system. Short introductions in 11 languages, including Easy Language, are at the entrance to each hall. Guided tours in Sign Language are offered in Estonian and Russian. The exhibition hall on the third floor can only be reached by lift.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 8 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €31 · Up to two adults and their minor children. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
There is a changing table in the toilet on the first floor. Education programmes for school groups are offered in the permanent exhibition and in the urban space.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available · 300 m to the entrance
The museum’s small car park on Põhja street has 7 places, for up to 2 hours; a parking card is obtained at the ticket office. About 300 m away is the guarded Port Arthur parking building (€0.50 for each started half hour, €1 per hour, €5 per day). On the streets and in front of the Concert House you can park for up to one hour free of charge. Buses stop on the right side of Põhja street, opposite the Concert House.
- Accessible parking
To reach the museum, drive from Laia street onto Põhja street (one-way).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours (up to 25 participants) must be booked in advance at visit@pernau.ee. Pets are not admitted; guide dogs are welcome. |