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Tallinn City Museum (Tallinna Linnamuuseum)

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sararevell
sararevell
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Tallinn City Museum - Old Thomas

  • August 19, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by mightywease from Carshalton, United Kingdom
Tallinn City Museum - Old Thomas

This figure, in the Tallinn City museum, is of Vana Toomas or Old Thomas. As a boy Thomas, had, according to legend, came to prominence in a parrot shooting contest. The contest was only open to the wealthy but, despite their training and fine weapons, none of them hit the target. Up stepped poor local boy Thomas who, with his simple wooden bow, hit the parrot with his first shot. Disregarding the anger of the other contestant, embarrassed and annoyed at being shown up by not only a boy put a poverty stricken one at that, Thomas was championed by the Alderman of the Great Guild who trained the boy to be a town guard, a task he undertook with great success into his own old age.

Such an inspiring story of 'have not' beating 'have' was sure to be taken to people's hearts and Old Thomas became the unofficial symbol of the city, immortalised in the weather vane which still sits atop the Town Hall.

The first 'incarnation' of Vana Toomas was in 1530 when the weathervane was first placed on the Tower spire, this stood watch over the city until the air raid of 1944 damaged the The Town Hall tower. The spire was reconstructed in 1952 and, after 8 years, a new copy of Toomas took his place as look out. Further restoration in the 1990s meant that in 1996 a third Toomas topped the tower and continues his watch over the city.

From journal Tallinn - Warm Heart in Cold Weather

Tallinn City Museum

  • July 30, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by mightywease from Carshalton, United Kingdom
Tallinn City Museum

The Tallinn City Museum (Tallinna Linnamuuseum) traces the development of the city from its earliest origins to Estonia?s independence in 1991.

The exhibits encompass social and political history, trade, influences, occupations, revolution and independence. Interesting aspects include how Toompea and the Old Lower Town were administered separately and the tensions between the two areas.

The latter part of the exhibition dedicated to life under Soviet rule is rather thought provoking as propaganda and real life are displayed side by side.

The building in which the museum dwells, an old merchants house, is also interesting as there are a number of exhibits exploring domestic life in such a house.

The exhibits are well set out with most labelled in Estonian and English and as a whole this interesting museum gives you an insight into and appreciation of the fascinating history of Tallinn.

Open: Wed-Mon 10.30am (11.00 Nov-Feb) to 5.30pm

From journal Tallinn - Warm Heart in Cold Weather

Editor Pick

Tallinn City Museum

  • July 20, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by sararevell from London, United Kingdom
Tallinn City Museum

If only we had gone to the city museum first and not bothered with the "Reisi Ekspert" bus and walking tour!!

The lower levels of the museum, which used to be a merchant’s house, start with Tallinn’s trading history, and as you work your way up the floors, you learn about Tallinn’s rich history and independence struggles with the Germany, Sweden, and of course, the former Soviet Union. The displays are impressive and eye-catching, and some are interactive. There was also a thoughtful (but possibly temporary) top floor exhibit about Islam and Tallinn’s Muslim community and connections with the Muslim world.

It’s definitely worth spending an hour or two here if you want a good history lesson. It gives great insight into Tallinn and the development of the Baltic trading industry in general.

From journal Tallinn: Going Underground

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