Rehbinderi maja

About the museum

The town residence of Count Gustav Dietrich von Rehbinder was completed in Rakvere in 1793. It is the only early classicist noble residence in the town built of limestone and preserved in an almost unaltered form. The building changed owners soon after its completion and was sold to the City of Rakvere in 1826. Later the town government, an archive, a library and several other institutions were housed in the building. The Virumaa Museums Foundation brought the building into use as an exhibition house in 2016, and the house was restored in 2020–2022. Research revealed remnants of wall paintings and wallpaper, which can now be seen in the halls of the main floor.

On the main floor, the permanent exhibition on the history of furniture “Toolile nõjatudes. Luksust ja lihtsust keskajast Lutheri vabrikuni” (Leaning Back in a Chair: Luxury and Simplicity from the Middle Ages to the Luther Factory) has been open since July 2024. In addition to the Virumaa Museums’ collection, exhibits have been borrowed from at least fifteen museums and from collectors.

Highlights

• Furniture history permanent exhibition “Toolile nõjatudes” (Leaning Back in a Chair)
• Medieval credenza from the mid-15th century
• Chairs from Alatskivi Manor
• Restored wall paintings and remnants of wallpaper
• Touchable exhibits for visitors with visual impairments
• Learning environment “Neff-Neffi rada” (Neff-Neff’s Trail) for children

Permanent exhibition

• Toolile nõjatudes. Luksust ja lihtsust keskajast Lutheri vabrikuni – The furniture history exhibition, built chronologically, runs through several halls from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century, when the Luther factory began to operate. There is a chair at the centre of each hall, through which the changes of styles can be seen; cupboards, chests, tables and chests of drawers are also displayed.

Operated by

SA Virumaa Muuseumid

Admission & discounts

Also free: staff of Estonian museums, members of ICOM, Museum Card holders, the guide and bus driver accompanying a group, one teacher for every 10 pupils, journalists with a press card, certified guides and persons who were repressed. Reductions and free admission apply on presentation of the relevant document.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main floor is reached by steps from Tallinna street, and at present there is no wheelchair access; if you notify the museum of your visit in advance, a member of staff will help a wheelchair user into the building. There is an accessible toilet. Ramps help with movement in the halls, but staff assistance is needed. For visitors with visual impairments 13 touchable exhibits with Braille labels have been selected, and tactile room plans can be borrowed from the ticket office.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

In the learning environment “Neff-Neffi rada” you can draw and get to know the beetles that damage furniture and the types of wood.

Getting there & parking

The house is in central Rakvere, next to the Estonian Police Museum.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit