Museum Guide for the Day of Restoration of Independence
Text Stewart Johnson Photo Andrei Chertkov
Thursday, 20 August marks the 35th anniversary of the Day of Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Estonia, and while this is a national holiday, several museums will remain open, some with special programmes. This is a brief guide. You should also consider getting a Museum Card, a one-time pass that grants you unlimited, and free, entry to over 130 museums around the country for an entire year. You can buy yours here.
The Estonian National Museum, or ERM, in Tartu at Muuseumi tee 2, will remain open on this special day. There will be a unique workshop for making blue-black-white hats that would “feel quite at home at the Presidential Reception in the Rose Garden”.
The Estonian War Museum, or ESM, in Viimsi at Mõisa tee 1 will be open as usual. Right next door in the Viimsi Manor Park there will be a celebration of independence. A concert and picnic are planned, so bring a picnic blanket and come celebrate!
The Estonian History Museum at Maarjamäe Palace, at Pirita tee 56 in Tallinn, will have a special children and family-themed event with a children’s fair. Other activities will include bubble-blowing, a foam party, arts and crafts, various games, and much more.
While the Energy Discovery Centre in Tallinn at Põhja pst 29 won’t have a special programme per se, it will be open from 11:00–18:00, and is a great place for kids to spend hours. There are lightning demonstrations, drone workshops, and hours of activities for kids indoors.
The Seaplane Harbour Museum at Vesilennuki 6 in Tallinn will have special hours from 10:00–17:00 on 20 August. While there is no special programme for this day, the entire museum is open. Explore the interior of a submarine, walk on and in several other ships, and enjoy the exhibitions inside the main area of the museum.
For a full list of museums open across Estonia on 20 August, see here.
To learn more about this and similar topics20 August Children Events in Estonia Events in Tallinn family events Museums Restoration of Independence Day
