Things to do in Kuressaare, Saare County: The Best Museums

Clay Workshop is an open studio where ceramics are made and art is sold, and which also organizes workshops, audiovisual events and exhibitions. Ceramics are fired in gas and wood-heated ovens.

The Kuressaare episcopal castle, also known as the Kuressaare Castle, was built in the 14th century. Today, the castle houses the Saaremaa Museum which is devoted to the island’s nature and history. A large part of the fun is exploring the warren of chambers, halls, passages and stairways, apt to fuel anyone’s fantasies. One room near the bishop’s chamber looks down to a dungeon where, according to legend, condemned prisoners were dispatched to be devoured by hungry lions (recorded growls reinforce the mental image). Legend also tells of a knight’s body found when a sealed room was opened in the 18th century, which has given rise to varying accounts of how he met his tragic fate. Upon discovery the knight’s body dissolved into dust but don’t worry, it’s since been re-created. There’s also interesting coverage of daily life under the USSR, including the interior of a typical apartment. On the top floor, the museum has wonderful views over the bay and surrounding countryside.

Kuressaare Raegalerii is an art gallery whose exhibitions are aimed at introducing the art heritage of Estonia as well as professional and amateur art created in Saaremaa. You can learn about the building of the Town Hall and its history if you are interested. The halls can be booked for festive occasions.

The home gallery of artist Kulliki Jarvila offers her graphic drawings, watercolour paintings and bookplates. You can make an appointment to see how graphic drawings are printed.

Saaremaa Art Studio organises regular exhibitions, courses and events that are all associated with art. The professional teachers working at the studio help to fill your holiday with fun and fantasy.

The main hall and spacious foyers of the Cultural Centre are used for exhibitions of art, handicrafts and cultural history.

The Aavik Family house-museum is a branch of Saaremaa Museum in Kuressaare, Janestekula suburb, Vallimaa Street 7. The museum exhibits an overview of the life and activities of a linguist Johannes Aavik, known for modernising Estonian language, and a local cultural figure, Joosep Aavik. The museum first opened its doors on June 19th 1992 .Good to know:1896- 1926 a linguist Johannes Aavik resided in this house.Since 1961 until his death in 1989, Joosep Aavik, Estonian organist, choir and orchestra conductor and music critic, lived in the same house.

Ajamaja Gallery offers you art on three different floors. The gallery has exhibitions of both art and cultural history.