Mõniste Museum, Mõniste, Estonia

The Mõniste Museum is the oldest open-air museum in Estonia. The museum complex consists two buildings with annexes. The threshing barn dating back to Czarist times features the interior of the 19th century building, tools, household utensils and clothing. The farmhouse from the times of the first Republic of Estonia exhibits the tools that blacksmiths used, horse necessaries, handicraft tools, national costumes, folk music instruments, etc.

In the museum you can light a fire in a Stone Age tepee or practice archery, slinging or lassoing. You can also learn how to make bone and earthenware objects, weave fishing nets and fabric, grind grain or bake a loaf of Stone Age bread. You can also try what farm works felt like at that time.

References:

Visit Estonia

User Reviews

Armīns Seņkāns (8 months ago)
a wide range of exhibits - various wooden and metal tools and much more. Origonal old houses from wood.

Tenis Nigulis (10 months ago)
The oldest open-air museum in Estonia. Very responsive employee. A thorough visit to the museum takes two hours.

Leonid Malikov (10 months ago)
If you are into village life, do visit this place that has an excellently restored shop from 1930s, farmhouse full of equipment and tools, and much more. Great stop along the route. There are signs in English too.

Ilver Kokk (11 months ago)
Very great place, tour length about 2 hours. You can learn about local history since the ice retreat in our areas. I would definitely recommend it to everyone. Also suitable for families.

Hannes Kruus (2 years ago)
Very nice place. The guide is very businesslike. I definitely recommend a visit.

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Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

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In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

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