The permanent exhibition of the ENM is still open to visitors free of charge

Wednesday, 30. jun 2021

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From the beginning of February, the Estonian National Museum's  permanent exhibition “Encounters”  had free admission to visit. A trial period was set up to see how people would react to free admission and the implications for visiting the whole museum. Summary of the period led to the decision that the free period of the permanent exhibition "Encounters" will be extended until the end of 2021.

"I have always had the opinion that the large-scale permanent exhibition "Encounters", which reflects Estonian cultural history and the life of Estonians, should have free admission," explains Alar Karis, Director of the ENM. “If in this way more of our people and guests can find out about Estonian cultural history, we have fulfilled our task. Moreover, if the Estonian National Museum is visited by people who have not visited the museum before, then there is hope that the same people will go and visit other Estonian museums as well. ”
 
Visitor survey, which was carried out in the free period (1st February–27th June), also the museum's box office and the feedback from the guides indicate that a large number of people who had not been here before came to the museum now. One third of the respondents to the visitor survey had not previously visited the ENM; 30% of the respondents also pointed out that the free entrance to the permanent exhibition was the reason to coming to the ENM during this visit. The number of international visitors increased significantly, based on which it can be stated that free admission is an important argument for those who have other mother tongue when coming to visit the museum.

How did the free exhibition affect the museum's visits to paid exhibitions and the consumption of services? However, approximately 70% of the visitors to the free exhibition bought an entrance ticket to another ENM exhibition.

The permanent exhibition "Encounters" of the Estonian National Museum is free to visit with an entrance ticket until the end of 2021 during the museum's opening hours from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

 Permanent exhibition "Encounters"   was opened when the new building of the ENM was completed more than four years ago. Nearly 4,000 square meters offers Journeys in Time with 12 different themed exhibitions.

The long walk of the permanent exhibition takes place on the Journeys in Time, which brings together many people who lived in this country at different times and allows to take part in their daily activities. Here, the visitor can see a part of life in Estonia from the time of freedoms until finally the Stone Age is reached by walking along the Journeys in Time. The free entrance is also to 12 thematic exhibitions, such as "Cities within a City", "Rural Life and Rural Beauty" or "The Language Brew", as well as a participation hall with changing exhibitions. You can also visit Part B lobbies and exhibitions free of charge.