Estonian Maritime Museum in Tallinn (aka ‘Fat Margaret’ / ‘Paksmargareeta’)

Estonian maritime heritage preservationInteractive maritime history displaysMaritime artifacts exhibitionNavigational instruments collectionShip models museum displayKoge wreck KadriorgUNESCO World Heritage maritime siteMaritime trade history exhibitionEstonian Maritime Museum Fat Margaret Museum

Dec 5

Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

As a former Royal Marines officer, I was quite excited about vising the Estonian Maritime Museum (aka ‘Fat Margaret’ or ‘Paksmargareeta’ in Estonian) as it really offers a fascinating journey through maritime trade, agencies, and navigation, spanning from the Middle Ages to the era of sailing, steam, and motor ships in Tallinn’s old town.

Recognised for its outstanding cultural significance (and it’s epic appearance), this building complex has earned a well-deserved spot on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List. At around 1,000 m² of space, you will get a very comprehensive overview of the Estonia’s history of maritime exploration!

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One of the most impactful displays for me was the Koge wreck. Discovered in Kadriorg in 2015, the shipwreck is around 700 years old, providing an interesting glimpse into Estonia’s seafaring past.

With over 700 artefacts, 50 interactive displays and 17 intricate boat models, the museum really is worth spending a few hours in if you’re interested in maritime exploration!

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Estonian maritime heritage preservationInteractive maritime history displaysMaritime artifacts exhibitionNavigational instruments collectionadriorg Ship models museum displayKoge wreckUNESCO World Heritage maritime siteMaritime trade history exhibitionEstonian Maritime Museum Fat Margaret Museum

Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a strategic branding, design and communications company that works with clients all over the world.

He is a former Royal Marines Commando officer, former risk advisor to the BBC and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).

Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, achieved his second Guinness World Record for an Atlantic Ocean rowing expedition, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities.

https://www.hiatus.design