Estonian History Museum and Maarjamäe Palace

The romantic-style summer palace for the family of Lieutenant General Anatoly Orlov-Davydov was designed by Robert Gödicke, professor at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. With Estonia’s independence, the imposing building became the summer residence of the Dutch consul. In the 1930s, the building housed the “Riviera Palace” restaurant-hotel. From 1937, the complex was for a longer period taken over by the military, after which the house was used as a residence, until it was eventually decided – thanks to the nearby newly built memorial – to transform it into the Museum of Revolutionary Victories, Battle Glory, and Friendship of Peoples. It opened in 1987, but with the passing of time and the change of regime, the museum also changed, and today it offers an introduction to Estonia’s recent history as well as various temporary exhibitions. The architectural approach by KOKO Architects emphasizes the integrity and richness of layers despite repeated reconstructions. For panoramic views, head to the former water tower.