Sightseeing & Attractions

CULTURAL VENUES, ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS

It’s not all about the beach or spas in Pärnu. The city certainly has a lot to offer in the sightseeing and cultural space.

Cultural Venues

In terms of cultural venues for concerts, plays, as well as operas and the like, the main ones to keep your eyes, and ears on, are the Pärnu Endla Theatre, and the Pärnu Concert Hall. A lot of concerts and events also take place outdoors at the historic Ammende Villa, as well as in the Pärnu Kuursaal right on the beach.

If the cinema grabs your attention more so than ballet or live theatre, Hollywood beckons from the Apollo cinema. Here you can catch all the latest that the mainstream film industry has to offer, as well as local and even some art films. Please note that most films will be in English with Estonian subtitles, the main exception to the rule are films geared towards the younger audience, which are usually dubbed into Estonian, or Russian in some cases.

Art Galleries

Galleries also abound in the city, and the one which gets the most attention is the Museum of New Art or UKT, now in a new location at the end of Rüütli Street by the square. The Pärnu City Gallery and the Pärnu Artists House Gallery, both run by the city, and the private Vuhti House Gallery are great places to get your art on - there are various types of media on display at all of these galleries from paintings, and photography, to sculptures, silkscreens and mixed media installations as well.

Museums

In terms of official museums, there are a few that are definitely worth checking out - the Koidula Museum, which gives some great insight into the life of one of Estonia’s most loved poets, writers and voices of the first independence movement. The Pärnu Museum, like its name suggests, has a great selection of artefacts, displays and exhibits regarding Pärnu’s colourful past. The Red Tower museum and panoramic cinema takes a great look at the city’s medieval period, and both the building itself as well as the displays, are fascinating for history buffs and those looking for a good way to pass the time. The tower also plays host to the Panoramic Cinema, and is truly something not to be missed as it brings a whole new dimension to the city’s history.