Seaplane Harbour Museum | Tallinn

The Seaplane Harbour Museum (known in Estonian as Lennusadam) is one of Tallinn’s most exciting and interactive museums, offering a deep dive into Estonia’s maritime and aviation history. Housed in a historic seaplane hangar in the Kalamaja district, the museum combines state-of-the-art exhibits with a rich collection of historical artifacts and interactive displays. Here’s a detailed overview of the Seaplane Harbour Museum:

Historical Background

Seaplane Hangar:

• The museum is housed in a remarkable early 20th-century seaplane hangar, which was originally constructed between 1916 and 1917 during World War I by the Russian Empire. The hangar was built for the Imperial Russian Navy as a base for their seaplane fleet.
• The hangar itself is an architectural marvel, designed to house seaplanes and is one of the largest and most impressive buildings of its kind in the world. It features a unique domed roof, constructed using reinforced concrete, which was innovative for its time.
• After serving military purposes, the hangar was repurposed over the years and eventually became the home of the Seaplane Harbour Museum in 2012.

Museum Establishment:

• The Seaplane Harbour Museum officially opened its doors in 2012 and is part of the Estonian Maritime Museum. It was created with the aim of showcasing Estonia’s maritime heritage, including the history of seafaring, aviation, and military history.
• The museum’s focus is on Estonia's naval and aviation history, particularly the role these played in the country’s independence and defense. It also emphasizes Estonia’s maritime connections to the wider world.

Key Exhibits and Features

Seaplanes and Aircraft:

• One of the museum’s highlights is its impressive collection of seaplanes and aviation artifacts. The centerpiece of the museum is the historic Short 184 seaplane, a British aircraft used during World War I. This plane, along with other exhibits, helps visitors understand the evolution of aviation technology in the early 20th century.
• The seaplane hangar also displays a range of military aircraft, including a Soviet-era helicopter, aircraft engines, and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience flying a plane or navigating a ship through simulators.

Submarine Lembit:

• One of the standout exhibits in the museum is the submarine Lembit, a Soviet-built submarine that was used by the Estonian Navy and Soviet Navy. Visitors can board the submarine and explore its various compartments, learning about the life aboard a submarine and Estonia’s naval heritage.
• The submarine is a fascinating piece of military history and provides an immersive experience of how sailors lived and worked underwater.

Maritime History and Navigation:

• The museum also features exhibits that delve into Estonia’s seafaring history. Visitors can learn about the country’s maritime heritage, including the Baltic Sea trade routes, famous ships, and legendary sailors who shaped the nation’s naval legacy.
• A highlight is the navigation and shipbuilding section, which showcases historical maps, models of famous ships, and tools used for navigation and exploration. This section emphasizes Estonia’s importance as a maritime nation.

Naval Warfare and Defense:

• The museum explores military history through exhibits on naval warfare and Estonia’s role in both World War I and World War II. This includes displays on Estonia’s defense strategies, as well as the Estonian Navy’s evolution through the years.
• One of the key themes of this section is the naval battles fought by Estonian forces and the role of Estonia in protecting its coastal waters from invaders.

Interactive Displays:

• The Seaplane Harbour Museum is known for its interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular attractions include:
  • Ship simulators: These allow visitors to try their hand at steering a ship or navigating a seaplane.
  • Virtual tours: Through high-tech displays, visitors can take virtual tours of various historical ships and submarines, as well as learn about the everyday lives of sailors.
  • Touch screens and multimedia installations: These provide in-depth information about the museum’s exhibits and offer a more hands-on experience for those interested in diving deeper into the history.

Other Maritime Exhibits:

• The museum also offers exhibits on Estonia’s lighthouses, shipwrecks, and underwater archaeology. Visitors can learn about the country’s rich maritime history, with details on famous shipwrecks, treasure hunts, and the role of Estonia’s navigators in exploring new trade routes.

Visitor Experience

Family-Friendly:

• The Seaplane Harbour Museum is an ideal destination for families. With its wide variety of interactive exhibits, children and adults alike can engage with the displays in a fun and educational way. There are also special family tours and workshops that encourage hands-on learning.
• Children especially enjoy the ship simulator and the chance to board the submarine Lembit. The museum’s interactive elements ensure that younger visitors stay engaged and learn about maritime history in an exciting way.

Guided Tours:

• The museum offers guided tours in several languages, including English, Estonian, and others. These tours provide detailed insights into the museum’s exhibits and help visitors connect with the historical significance of the objects on display.
• There are also audio guides available, which are a great option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

Opening Hours and Admission:

• The Seaplane Harbour Museum is generally open every day of the week, with specific opening hours that can vary based on the season or special events.
• Admission fees are typically affordable, with discounts available for students, children, and groups. Special family passes and annual memberships are also available for frequent visitors.

Location:

• The museum is located in the Kalamaja district of Tallinn, which is easily accessible from the city center by public transportation or walking. The museum’s location by the sea offers beautiful views and an authentic maritime setting, making it an even more atmospheric place to visit.

Why Visit the Seaplane Harbour Museum?

Historical Significance: The museum offers an in-depth look at Estonia’s maritime and aviation history, showcasing the country’s development as a seafaring nation and its military history.

Engaging Experience: The interactive and hands-on exhibits make it an engaging destination for people of all ages, whether you're interested in aviation, submarines, or maritime history.

Unique Setting: The seaplane hangar itself is an architectural marvel, and the opportunity to explore a historic submarine and seaplanes makes this museum one of the most distinctive cultural attractions in Tallinn.

Family-Friendly: With its wide range of exhibits and interactive features, the Seaplane Harbour Museum is perfect for families looking to introduce children to the world of history and technology in a fun and immersive way.

Modern Facilities: The museum blends cutting-edge technology with historical artifacts, providing a modern museum experience with detailed, interactive content.

The Seaplane Harbour Museum is one of Tallinn’s must-visit attractions for anyone interested in maritime history, aviation, and interactive exhibits. With its historic seaplane hangar, impressive collection of seaplanes, submarines, and aviation artifacts, this museum provides a fascinating and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a history enthusiast, aviation buff, or family looking for a fun outing, the Seaplane Harbour Museum offers something for everyone.