The Pärnu Museum has found a home in a centuries-old granary. The exhibition of our city’s and county’s history is vivified by a 13th or 14th-century river gate which was discovered during renovations, and through which the Hanseatic goods were traded. The so-called time-river created in the Museum takes you through 11,000 years of exciting history, and its interactive solutions guarantee a memorable experience for you and your whole family.
Various cultural events take place in Pärnu all year round, many of which have become annual traditions. Throughout the summer, parks and seaside cafés are filled with ear-catching music. The August Insomnia Street Festival inundates the city centre and beaches with good food, enjoyable music and other fine arts.
When the weather gets colder, most events in Pärnu move from the parks into the concert and exhibition halls.
Kihnu and Manija Islands are the home of a unique native culture preserved on Pärnu County coastal islands for more than six hundred years. The cultural space, which was included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2003, keeps alive Kihnu’s folklore, handicraft and customs. The island of Kihnu is known as the home of seamen, fishermen and seal hunters. The men spent long periods of time at sea, entrusting the women with the everyday island life. Women have become the preservers and passers-on of local handicraft, dances, games and music. Their everyday clothing still includes a self-made striped Kihnu skirt called kört. The rules of life on Kihnu have changed with time, but to a considerable extent the ancestral wisdom is still followed. Many traditions and rituals are still alive, for instance, weddings on Kihnu Island last for three days, and it is especially interesting to visit the island on a day of popular or church celebrations.
Forge a souvenir coin in the historic Venus Bastion Smithy, make clay art in the cozy Maripott ceramics workshop located in an old wooden house, or visit the Maarja-Magdaleena Guild of a few dozen artisans, which, in 2010, was awarded the title of the Innovator of Estonian Tourism. You are welcome to realise your ideas, and under the guiding hand of a master your unique works of art will take shape and remind you of your vacation for many years to come.
Amidst the woods and bogs of Audru Parish, there is a little Russian cottage on the Sanga-Tõniste farm. Peeking in you will feel as if you were in a real Russian village where Yemelya lies on a stove nibbling cookies, porridge is cooking, the samovar is steaming, and blushing maidens are greeting guests. On this Estonian farm with a fascinating history you will learn about Russian national culture and traditions, and you can see Russian national costumes, taste Russian food and become acquainted with Russian applied art.
