Mäluseadme

Mäluseadme, also known as the Estonian Museum of Occupations, is a historical museum located in Tallinn, Estonia. The museum focuses on the two Soviet occupations of Estonia, from 1940 to 1941 and from 1944 to 1991, as well as the German occupation during World War II. Its name derives from the Estonian word "mälu," meaning "memory," and "seadme," meaning "monument" or "installation," reflecting its role in preserving and presenting the nation's collective memory of these periods.

The museum was established in 2000 and is housed in a former Soviet-era military building on the outskirts of Tallinn. Its exhibits are designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience, using a combination of multimedia presentations, personal testimonies, and historical artifacts. The museum's collection includes documents, photographs, and objects that illustrate the daily lives of Estonians during the occupations, as well as the broader political and social context of the time.

One of the museum's key features is its outdoor exhibition, which includes a replica of a Soviet-era prison cell and a memorial dedicated to the victims of the occupations. The indoor galleries cover various aspects of Estonian history, including the restoration of independence in 1991. The museum emphasizes the importance of remembering the past to understand the present and to ensure that such events are not repeated.

Mäluseadme is part of the Estonian National Museum network and collaborates with other institutions to promote historical education and research. It offers educational programs for schools and other groups, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Estonia's 20th-century history among visitors of all ages. The museum is open to the public and serves as a significant cultural and educational resource for both locals and tourists.