Tallinna Linnaelumuuseum

About the museum

The Tallinna Linnaelumuuseum (Tallinn City Life Museum) is located in the Old Town at Vene tänav 17, in a merchant’s house whose history goes back to the 14th century. In the Middle Ages several buildings stood on the plot: a residence with storage floors and barns, which were brought under one roof only in the 18th century. Over the centuries the house was home to well-known townspeople, town councillors, town secretaries and merchants; in the 16th century the building belonged for almost a whole century to the Viant family. The building has preserved 14th- and 15th-century cellars, a late Gothic portal and an 18th-century Baroque roof (kelpkatus).

The city museum was officially founded in 1937. The Vene tänav building, adapted into a museum in 1963–1965, has been the museum’s main building since 1965. In 2015 an open-storage facility of ceramic and metal objects was opened in the medieval cellars. After nearly a year of renovation, new exhibitions opened on 22 November 2025.

The museum tells the story of Tallinn across five exhibition floors, from the Hanseatic League era to 20th-century homes, clothing and technological innovations. The first floor is filled with a playful and interactive exhibition on the Brotherhood of the Blackheads; the third floor has a permanent exhibition showing different aspects of city life and the city’s treasures, such as the original Vana Tooma (Old Thomas) and a gilded city key. The exhibitions will remain open until the new building for Tallinn’s open collections is completed, planned for 2030.

Highlights

• Exhibition “Rikkad ja ilusad. Mustpeade vennaskond Tallinnas” on the first floor
• Permanent exhibition “Lyndanise. Reval. Tallinn. Linnaelu läbi sajandite” on the third floor
• Original Vana Tooma (Old Thomas), gilded city key and town treasure chest
• Open storage of ceramic and metal objects in medieval vaulted cellars
• 14th-century merchant’s house with a medieval layout

Permanent exhibitions

• Rikkad ja ilusad. Mustpeade vennaskond Tallinnas – The second floor has a playful and interactive exhibition on the history, art and customs of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads from the 15th century to the present day.
• Lyndanise. Reval. Tallinn. Linnaelu läbi sajandite – The permanent exhibition on the third floor shows how the everyday life of Tallinn residents has changed over the centuries, and introduces the city’s legends and treasures, including the original Vana Tooma and the gilded city key.
• Keraamika- ja metalliesemete avahoidla – In the medieval vaulted cellars, porcelain, faience and ceramic tableware are on display, along with copper, brass, bronze and tin objects.

Founded

1937

Operated by

Tallinna Linnamuuseum

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month (pre-registration required); on International Museum Day, 18 May, admission is free for everyone.

Admission is €1 on Tallinn Day (15 May) and during Museum Night. Free admission on presentation of a document applies to, among others, holders of the TallinnCard and Museum Card, journalists performing their duties, Ukrainian war refugees and victims of repression; free admission does not cover guided tours, workshops, lectures or other paid events.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: not available
• 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 historic building has steep stairs and no lift. Visitors with special needs are asked to contact linnaelu@linnamuuseum.ee before the visit so that suitable arrangements can be found. Visitors may bring a guide dog.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The playful, interactive exhibition and the interactive exhibits suit visitors of all ages; the museum organises family days, workshops and museum lessons. The family ticket applies to up to two adults and their children up to and including 19 years old.

Getting there & parking

On foot the museum is a few minutes from Viru väljak (Viru Square), Raekoja plats and Balti jaam. By car you can reach Vene tänav from Põhja puiestee, from the Olevimäe side or from Uus tänav.

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