Museums of Tallinn

Tallinn is home to some of Europe’s most impressive museums and unique collections of historical artwork. You can learn about the legacy of Estonia’s architecture, politics, art, maritime influences, and much more. The institutions are located around downtown and the open-air museum is about 15 km from the city. These museums are great places to bring kids for a fun and educational look into the rich culture of Estonia.

Kumu Art Museum

In 2008 Kumu received the prestigious honor of being the European Museum of the Year. It was a great reward for the art institution that recently moved into a new building. Kumu Art Museum has shifted venues many times during its existence. The current building was finished in 2006 and is the result of a design contest won by a Finnish architect. The museum holds an extensive collection of Estonia artwork from the early 1700s up to the end of WWII. The multi-functional building serves as the pride of the Estonia artistic culture.

Estonian Open-Air Museum

Just a short 20 minute drive from the city center is the Estonian Open-Air Museum. It is located on a plot of land that is 80 hectares and home to 72 different structures. This is a great place to spend the day and learn about Estonian culture from the past. The museum was created to give visitors the feeling of being in an 18^th century fishing village. There are schools, churches, shops, mills, skilled laborers and small houses for visitors to enjoy.

Museum of Occupations

Just like the other Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania, Estonia has a museum dedicated to the hard times and eventual triumphs associated with the occupations of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Inside the building, you will find a historical journey of the Estonian people through the painful years of dictated rule. Learn about life during Soviet times and the stronghold of the Nazis. The final exhibition is a tribute to the revolution efforts of the Estonians. They successfully broke free of the Soviet Union in 1991 and now they strive to make a new identity for their country. The museum is a reminder of the past and a great way to appreciate the current situation.

Museum of Estonian Architecture

A former salt storage facility is now the home to architectural drawings from the past and present. The building has been remolded on the inside and has three levels of open exhibits to please its visitors. The Estonian Art Society also uses the space for contemporary art exhibitions during the year.

Maritime Museum

This building is appropriately located very close to the sea and displays the history of Estonian sailors and fishermen. There is a rich history of maps and artifacts from the earliest explorers of the surrounding waters. Some of the most impressive items in the museum are the 2000 year old fishing supplies made from animal bones and horns.

The Applied Art Museum

Located very close to the city center, this museum is great for browsing countless artistic pieces that are both practical and beautiful. The museum also holds many decorative pieces from the 18^th century through the present day.