Films and hands-on displays at this extensive museum show how Estonian-dwellers lived, fought and survived through 11,000 years.
The museum covers Estonia's history from prehistoric times’ right up to the end of the 20th century.
It makes its home in the 15th century Great Guild Hall, itself a spectacular relic of Tallinn's past. It is no surprise that this hulking, gabled hall with its gigantic porch and lion’s head door knockers belonged to the Great Guild. Members of the guild, who had to be married German merchants, controlled the Town Council. In the cellar rooms, an exhibit called 'Power of the Elite' showcases the history of the building.
Among the other displays are 'Making a Fast Buck' in the coin chamber, which focuses on the sundry ways of payment seen in Estonia throughout history.
The weapons chamber presents wars and arms through the ages, with a simulator mimicking the sounds of each weapon displayed. The museum co-operates with a tactical shooting centre which offers an actual shooting experience with historical guns. With a museum ticket, visitors can ask for 5% discount on the range's 'History' package. See www.tacticalshooting.ee.
In Börsi käik, the narrow passageway that runs alongside the building, a 'Road of History' exhibit highlights the most important events of Estonia's past.
Children can look for the museum’s very own dragon, displayed for centuries on the building’s pillar. The museum’s courtyard presents several things that are ideal for little visitors.
