Estonian National Museum, Tartu: Hours, Address, Estonian National Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Estonian National Museum
Estonian National Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
In Estonia’s biggest museum there’s more than ever before, and indeed more than anywhere else: more space, more stories, more information and more events. All of this provides new answers to the questions: Who are Estonians? Why are they the way they are? What do they do? What do they think? How do they express themselves? What do they look like? The museum’s exhibitions are underpinned by cutting-edge science and technology, but are all about creating mood and stirring emotions. Echo of the Urals, named Best Permanent Exhibition in Estonia 2016, introduces the culture of Estonians and the other Finno-Ugric peoples of Northern Eurasia. Encounters details the daily lives of Estonians, from the Ice Age to today. Audiovisual elements bring the exhibits to life with song and movement, while electronic information placards change languages with the touch of a keycard. This medley of history, design, art, technology and entertainment creates an engaging place for children and adults alike.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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141 within 3 miles

Kebab Pizza
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La Dolce Vita
658
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean

Werner Cafe
450
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • Fusion

Vein Ja Vine
85
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • European

The Grill
4
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Grill • Diner • Wine Bar

Krempel
122
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • Central European

Taiko Sushi
1
1 mi$ • Japanese • Cafe • Sushi

Joyce
284
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • International • European • Central European

Restaurant Hõlm
107
1.4 mi$$$$ • International • European • Healthy

Chez Andre
191
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • French • European • Contemporary
Attractions
115 within 6 miles

Tagurpidi Maja
71
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Estonian Folk Museum
6
0.3 miArt Museums

Raadi
6
0.3 miSpeciality Museums

AHHAA Science Centre
595
1.3 miAmusement & Theme Parks • Science Museums

Tartu University Botanical Garden
296
1.1 miParks • Gardens

Typa
119
2 miArt Galleries • Speciality Museums

Tartu Town Hall Square
223
1.3 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Tartu Old City
554
1.3 miNeighborhoods

'The Kissing Students' sculpture and fountain
309
1.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains

Tartu Toy Museum
164
1.3 miSpeciality Museums • Theaters
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
238 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
41
Average
11
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Ann P
Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine238 contributions
A large interactive museum with many exhibits. From today with a chair on which Skype was written until ancient times and burials. Impressed by the CAT for seabed exploration made in Tartu, carpets and runic songs. everything is selected and made with love. It is better to plan an afternoon at the museum and take short breaks, because there is a lot of information. It will be difficult with small children.
The hall of the Finno-Ugric group needs special attention - it is concise and atmospheric. A beautiful museum, when there is time, it is desirable to pay attention.
The hall of the Finno-Ugric group needs special attention - it is concise and atmospheric. A beautiful museum, when there is time, it is desirable to pay attention.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nihon Zarkia
1 contribution
A museum with lots of impressive stories told by contemporary design and maximum use of technology about the past of the Finno-Ugric population where I received e-features everywhere, from the entrance till the end. A modern building with the presentation of objects is associated with world-class technology. I liked the way I learned a lot about Estonian history and culture through various digital components. Highly recommended for all!
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mingalaba11
Hertfordshire170 contributions
Couples
This is an outstanding museum in every way. Internationally I would rank it with the Ethnological Museum in Mexico City and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Inside the dramatic building, the story of Estonia, its culture, language and history are told with vivid images, perfect illumination and friendly technology. For example the sophisticated development of the Estonian language and its relationship to Finnish and Hungarian is illustrated with symbols and examples a ten year-old could follow. They have the original Estonian flag which had been hidden in Soviet times as an illegal object. Some exhibits are very moving. For example a pair of jeans which cost two months’s salary but incentivised a girl to attend college leading to an education that resulted in her eventually working as a researcher at this museum. As with many museums, the shop had some unique and attractive items. We bought books, jewellery and cards. We had allowed two hours and wish we had allocated the whole day. Our guide, Eiiu was inspirational with her knowledge, enthusiasm and impressive English vocabulary to communicate the power of the museum.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karet Luik
Tartu, Estonia2 contributions
A great museum that is definitely worth a visit. I visited the museum with friends and we had a lot of fun to discover. Many different exhibits and a great contemporary architecture that catches the eye.
We spent three hours in the museum and also visited the restaurant "Pööriöö", where the food was very tasty.
It is worth planning at least 3-5 hours and be sure to visit the restaurant. :)
And also, did you know that the Estonian National Museum is the largest museum in Estonia? It doesnt get boring here and there are activities for both adults and kids.
We spent three hours in the museum and also visited the restaurant "Pööriöö", where the food was very tasty.
It is worth planning at least 3-5 hours and be sure to visit the restaurant. :)
And also, did you know that the Estonian National Museum is the largest museum in Estonia? It doesnt get boring here and there are activities for both adults and kids.
Written March 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mfield2016
Binfield, UK21 contributions
Friends
A great place to visit. Great modern architecture and interactive displays. When you pay to enter you are given a RFID ticket that you tap on each display and it displays the information in English. Good restaurant and reasonably priced.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for this feedback! We are really happy to hear that you enjoyed the visit and we are hoping to see you again.
Written June 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rexonaut
Brussels, Belgium686 contributions
We went to see 2 art exhibitions there, but took a time to look also on the main exhibition. Very interactive, but not so easy discover. Found several interesting things, I did not know. As it included also some more modern times, got some nostalgic memories.
Don't miss the lunch in the cafeteria. One of the best lunches in Tartu. Impressive menu.
Don't miss the lunch in the cafeteria. One of the best lunches in Tartu. Impressive menu.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scarlet
London, UK41 contributions
I visited the museum with my best friends and must I say I was very impressed. The museum managed to capture the nordic vibe so well. We didn't feel bored at any point. As an Estonian living in UK, I was so happy to be able to pay a visit to this museum, and revisit stuff that I remember from my childhood, and also be reminded of my roots. The staff were super nice and kind, felt really homely. We visited the museum on Friday and there were relatively little people there at that time as we visited it around 3 pm. There were many interactive exhibits which weren't only fun for kids but also for adults. I loved that museum was so wide and open, not crammed like some museums I have visited. There were also a cafe and a restaurant that we didn't visit but they looked visually pleasing. I think that my favourite part of the museum was the "Uurali kaja" - I loved how the exhibition was set and the atmosphere, plus the tiny homes you could go in! I'm already planning to visit this place again, but this time with my parents.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for this feedback! We are glad you liked the visit with your friends and it is lovely to hear that it brought back the memories from your childhood. We look forward to seeing you again with your parents!
Written June 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dalia
2 contributions
Family
We have visited the museum with children in age 7, 12 and 15. It is very new and modern and worth to see if you have more time in Tartu. But information is really chaotic, we have easily lost here and when our smaller boys began to play hiding and seeking here we had to leave. So it was really interesting, but if you go alone and maybe with a guide.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the feedback! We are sorry to hear about that and will definitely try to make it easier to navigate here for the first time visitors. Hopefully the next time you visit, you will see the improvements.
Written June 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PBTravelstheWorld
Lynden, WA398 contributions
What a fabulous new museum! With the great use of technology almost every display is available in a variety of languages! I spent the whole day here and could have stayed longer, there was just so much brought together under one roof. I had lunch in the restaurant and the food was both very good quality and well presented. The costume collection was amazing and very creatively and sympathetically displayed. Normally I am not a fan of technology in museums, but this museum all worked from light tables with photos to tablets that offered details in multiple languages! This is a must in Estonia!
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for this feedback! We are extremely glad that you liked all the features our museum has and we are hoping to see you again soon.
Written June 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Domile
Vilnius, Lithuania4 contributions
Family
In a pleasant surrounding of great contemporary architecture you can explore truly interactive expositions and well arranged spaces, all made with care for detail and quality.
Great experience design, well thought through journey for the visitor. I had pleasure exploring and not once felt bored during the 4 hour tour.
Additional temporary exhibition about folk fairytales was amazingly designed to the smallest detail like handmade headphone embroidery sculptures and the space was filled with stage-design-like objects that were truly beautiful, such as large mushrooms to sit under or the ceiling of hell made of real tree roots.
Worth visiting!
Plan 3-5 hours, possible to have a salad lunch and coffee.
Great experience design, well thought through journey for the visitor. I had pleasure exploring and not once felt bored during the 4 hour tour.
Additional temporary exhibition about folk fairytales was amazingly designed to the smallest detail like handmade headphone embroidery sculptures and the space was filled with stage-design-like objects that were truly beautiful, such as large mushrooms to sit under or the ceiling of hell made of real tree roots.
Worth visiting!
Plan 3-5 hours, possible to have a salad lunch and coffee.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the feedback! We are glad to hear that your visit was enjoyable and we are looking forward to seeing you again once the new exhibitions launch.
Written June 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GlobalTime
Ottawa, Canada96 contributions
A few questions:
1. Would bus be a good choice to get to Tartu from Tallinn? How long?
2. Would one be able to get a sense of Tartu and visit the Estonian National Museum in one day?
3. What would be the top things to visit in or around Tartu?
Recommended places to eat?
4. How much time would give a pretty thorough overview of the Museum?
Many thanks!
Ritva M
Helsinki, Finland122 contributions
I do agreed mostly with the answer above, but it is a great pity to limit the stay for one day, specially if you are going in the summer. The ERM (Eesti Rahva Muuseum) is a very fascinating place and it is worth visiting several times because of the amounts of things to see and study its multiple inter active information. Three hours for one day is enough but doing so you accept that you have only scratched a tiny bit of the surface. There are for example two not quite typical churches (Paulus and Jaani kirik) worth to see. And lots and lots of other interesting places.
GlobalTime
Ottawa, Canada96 contributions
A few questions:
1. Would bus be a good choice to get to Tartu from Tallinn? How long?
2. Would one be able to get a sense of Tartu and visit the Estonian National Museum in one day?
3. What would be the top things to visit in or around Tartu?
Recommended places to eat?
4. How much time would give a pretty thorough overview of the Museum?
Many thanks!
carolsommer
Darlington, UK25 contributions
We chose to hire a car whilst in Estonia - public transport appeared to be somewhat time consuming and not as regular as we are used to in the UK. The National Museum is superb and you can easily enjoy more than half a day there and till not have seen anything. Tartu was smaller than we imagined with the centre being quite compact, however I think you would need an overnight stop there to take in both the National Museum and the ‘old town’. In Tartu we enjoyed the Contemporary Art Museum and the Sports Museum and we found the KGB Museum very interesting and a sinister insight to the dark side of Estonian history. We stayed there for two nights and enjoyed wonderful food at Vilde ja Vine and some other places who’s names escape me. I remember one was in a courtyard behind artists studios in the ‘cultural’ area. It is worth exploring the University Area and the traditional houses in the ‘Soup’ area and Bohemian area are worth a wander around if you have time. Enjoy Estonia!
Tony M
6 contributions
Is it on a bus route from town centre?
raagritsikas
Tallinn, Estonia12 contributions
Yes. Bus nr 27 takes off from the city centre (in front of the shopping centre Kvartal) and stops in front of the museum.
Leldishhh
Riga, Latvia
Hi,
Is this museum interesting also for children (2,5 and 6 years)? Is it interactive? The information in website is very general. It is no clear what we can see there and no good foto galleries are provided to get the first impression what exactely visitors will be able to see there.
Lelde
Terje L
Tallinn, Estonia99 contributions
it is interactive; interesting for 6 years old, and maybe the smalller one is just happy to spend time together with the family
Frequently Asked Questions about Estonian National Museum
- Estonian National Museum is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Estonian National Museum:
- (1.36 mi) Lydia Hotel
- (1.29 mi) Hotel Antonius
- (1.40 mi) V Spa & Conference Hotel
- (1.26 mi) Hotel London by Tartuhotels
- (1.29 mi) Tartu Hotel
- Restaurants near Estonian National Museum:
- (1.42 mi) Joyce
- (1.33 mi) Werner Cafe
- (1.21 mi) La Dolce Vita
- (1.36 mi) Restaurant Hõlm
- (1.26 mi) Vein Ja Vine