Kiek in de Köki kindlustustemuuseum / Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum
The Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum is an extensive museum complex stretching over more than 500 metres. It comprises four medieval towers – Kiek in de Kök, Maiden Tower, Marstal Tower, and Gate Tower – as well as underground bastion passages constructed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These passages also house the Carved Stone Museum.
The museum explores the history of Tallinn’s fortifications, the homes built by townspeople along the city wall and within its towers at the end of the 18th century, and the artists who later lived and worked in one of the towers. It also highlights the famous café opened in Maiden Tower in the 1980s. Visitors can enjoy Tallinn’s longest wall gallery, with its towers offering sweeping views of the Old Town.
KIEK IN DE KÖK FORTIFICATIONS MUSEUM
The exhibition in Kiek in de Kök Tower provides an in-depth overview of Tallinn’s defensive history and fortifications. Completed in 1483, it was originally built as the city’s first artillery tower. The name Kiek in de Kök was first recorded in 1577, during the second siege of Tallinn. The tower is also the tallest defensive tower in the city, dating from the late 17th century, when a massive casemate roof was added.
MAIDEN TOWER
Maiden Tower is Tallinn’s only rectangular tower. In the Middle Ages, it was known as the Tower of Megede and was likely built in the mid-14th century. Its permanent exhibition focuses on the period when the tower was converted into a residential building, including its use as artists’ studios and homes.
In 1980, the tower was restored as part of the city’s fortifications, and a popular café was opened there. Maiden Tower also hosts temporary exhibitions. The exhibition in the vaulted cellar tells the story of the legend of Denmark’s national flag, the Dannebrog, in Estonian art, as well as Danish symbols in Estonian heraldry.
BASTION PASSAGES
The bastion passages were constructed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The exhibition within the tunnels presents the history of the fortifications and recounts significant events that took place there, including stories of people who sought refuge in the passages at different times. The tunnels also contain a rich collection of carved stone artefacts.
Opening hours
October-April:
11:00-18:00 Tuesday-Sunday
May-September:
11:00-18:00 every day
Price information
Ticket prices are displayed including service fees. Read more about possible service fees here!
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET: Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum in its entirety
Adult 16 €
Concessions 10 € (students, pensioners and people with reduced work ability)
Family 32 € (up to 2 adults and their children under 20 or Family Card holders and the persons listed on the card)
4 TOWERS: Kiek in de Kök, Maiden Tower, Marstal Tower & Gate Tower
Adult 12 €
Concessions 7 € (students, pensioners and people with reduced work ability)
Family 24 € (up to 2 adults and their children under 20 or Family Card holders and the persons listed on the card)
BASTION PASSAGES with Carved Stone Museum
Adult 10 €
Concessions 6 € (students, pensioners and people with reduced work ability)
Family 20 € (up to 2 adults and their children under 20 or Family Card holders and the persons listed on the card)
NOTE!
Museum tickets purchased from Piletilevi are not valid on Tallinn Museum Sunday, which takes place on the first Sunday of every month!
Opening hours
October-April:
11:00-18:00 Tuesday-Sunday
May-September:
11:00-18:00 every day
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND SHORTENED WORKING DAYS
An audio guide is available at the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum. We recommend downloading the free AUDIOGUIDE to your mobile phone in advance from the App Store or Google Play.
Accessibility & Safety:
- Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not wheelchair accessible. We apologise for any inconvenience.
- Steps throughout the museum vary in height and may be slippery.
- Movement between the towers is outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
- The museum visit is not recommended for visitors with a fear of heights or those who have difficulty using stairs.
Bastion Passages:
- Visits are not recommended for children under 7 years of age.
- They are also unsuitable for people with a fear of enclosed spaces, limited mobility, balance disorders, or dizziness.
- The temperature in the passages is 10–12°C year-round, so please dress warmly, even in summer.