Exhibitions


PERMANENT EXHIBITION

11 000 Years of History 

Experiences from the Past


The permanent exhibition on Pärnu Museum building provides an overview of 11 000 years of history in Pärnu County through exciting exhibits and displays that introduce the life and conditions of the various eras. 

The main exhibit shows local developments from Neolithic times right up to the late 1980s and includes a mini-cinema showing archival films.

Our pride and joy is the so-called 'Stone Age Madonna'. At more than 8000 years old, it is the oldest known human-shaped sculpture in the Scandinavia and Baltic Sea area. Other star attractions include a fragment of a 14th-century merchant ship and a glass floor that lets you look down onto archaeological remnants of one of the town's historic gates, which let through all the people and goods from New Pärnu port to the Hanseatic city.


FASHION AND JEWELLERY ART DUO EXHIBITION

Still Waters / Deep Currents ("Vaga vesi / Sügav põhi")

17.06–20.08.2025

Annual exhibition of the Estonian Association of Jewellery and Blacksmiths – VAGA VESI

For the fourth time, a summer-long jewellery exhibition opens in Pärnu, showcasing the finest works by artists of the Estonian Association of Jewellery and Blacksmiths. While last year’s exhibition focused on the theme “Oma nägu” (“One’s Own Face”), this year we look beneath the surface. "Vaga vesi" (still waters) reflects both the summer beach of Pärnu and the nature of certain personalities. Beauty – as always – lies in the eye of the beholder.

More than 30 artists are taking part in the exhibition, presenting nearly 100 works. As always, in addition to aesthetics, the wearability of the works plays an essential role.

Exhibition designers: Mari Pärtelpoeg and Kertu Vellerind
Participating artists: Jaan Pärn, Reet Salonen, Ilona Treiman, Raili Vinn, Mari Pärtelpoeg, Ülle Voosalu, Kertu Vellerind, Riin Somelar, Krista Laos, Kairi Sirendi, Viktorija Lillemets, Rita-Livia Erikson, Kristjan Sinivee, Jaanus Valt, Ülle Kõuts, Keesi Kapsta, Margit Paulin, Alo-Allar Altmets, Indrek Päi, Merike Balod, Ane Raunam, Ive-Maria Köögard, Krista Lehari, Viivi Aavik, Egge Edussaar, Harry Tensing, Anne Reinberg, Kadi Kübarsepp, Ülle Mesikäpp, Kärt Summatavet, Andrei Balaśov and Mari Käbin

Exhibition-sale and pop-up
Works marked accordingly in the exhibition are available for purchase. Items will be delivered to their new owners after the exhibition ends.
A jewellery pop-up sale will also take place at the museum on July 18–20! Reserved items can be paid for by card during the pop-up or in cash upon pickup.

To reserve jewellery, please contact:
jaan.parn@gmail.com or
+372 504 6113 (Jaan Pärn)

Annual exhibition of the Estonian Fashion Designers

Association – SÜGAV PÕHI

This show presents a deep and thought-provoking dialogue with the sea – its invisible power, beauty, and fragility.
Through complex garment designs, Estonian fashion designers reveal their creative gaze. The colour palette ranges from pure white to deep navy and black, echoing reflections, currents, and the unknown depths of the water.

The exhibition invites the viewer to pause and reflect. How important is the sea in our lives? What role does water play for our planet and our future?
Each outfit serves as a poetic interpretation of the sea’s strength, calm, and delicacy.

Come and immerse yourself in a silence where still water carries deep thoughts.

Participating artists: Liisa Brochard, Diana Denissova, Anu Hint, Joan Hint, Piret Kuresaar, Sirje Laansoo, Anu Ling, Merle Lõhmus, Liisa Orgna Saarinen, Tuuliki Peil, Liivika Põvat-Straus, Marilin Sikkal, Marin Sild, Külli-Kerttu Siplane, Küllike Tuvikene, Getter Vader, Maire Valdma and Maris Willadsen


70 YEARS OF ESTONIAN TELEVISION

As Written on TV ("Kirjakunst teleekraanil")

04.06–20.08.2025

The exhibition Kirjakunst teleekraanil offers a unique look at the intersection of calligraphy and television. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Estonian Television, we invite visitors to remember the era of analog television, and to explore an often overlooked yet widely consumed aspect of Estonian graphic design: artistic TV program title graphics. Nearly one thousand original graphic works from the pre-digital era (1960–1990), preserved at the Estonian Broadcasting Museum, uniquely reflect the aesthetic and ideological context of their time.

This exhibition showcases works by three Estonian Television lettering artists — Erich Tali (1921–1990), Guido Pant (1922–2018), Peeter Urtson (born 1947) — among others. "Hand-created graphics were more than just beautiful lettering — they were a craft that carried both information and emotion. This field required discipline, a good eye, and a precise hand," says the exhibition’s curator.

Visitors can view original hand-drawn titles, historical footage, and hear stories from the people who worked behind the scenes of this subtle yet influential art form. The exhibition is complemented by original items from the ERR Museum's collections and reconstructions, which help illustrate the behind-the-scenes world and the technological methods of translating lettering art to the television screen.

Curator: Caroline Murumägi (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Designer: Indrek Aija
Exhibition assistant: Lilli Reinväli

The exhibition is produced in cooperation between the ERR Museum and Pärnu Museum.

Gallery of the exhibition opening