Estonian Maritime Museum

Overview

The Estonian Maritime Museum is housed in the spectacular Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam), a complex of early 20th-century reinforced-concrete seaplane hangars on the waterfront. It is one of the most impressive maritime museums in Europe, combining real vessels with immersive, interactive exhibits.

Highlights

• Lembit Submarine: Climb aboard a real 1930s submarine built in Britain for the Estonian Navy.
• Seaplane Hangar: The hangar itself is an engineering landmark — one of the first reinforced-shell concrete structures ever built.
• Short Film Simulator: A motion-simulator ride re-creating a stormy Baltic Sea voyage.

History

The seaplane hangars were built in 1916–1917 for the Imperial Russian Navy. After decades of military use and neglect, the hangars were spectacularly restored and reopened as a museum in 2012, winning the European Museum of the Year Award in 2014.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: Allow 1.5–2 hours, longer with children.
• Outdoor area: Don't miss the icebreaker Suur Tõll and patrol vessel moored outside.
• Combined ticket: Available with Fat Margaret Tower (the museum's Old Town branch).