About us
Pärnumaa Military History Centre
We host the largest and most powerful public exhibition of inert military ammunition in Northern Europe, based on private collections. It’s filled with remarkable finds and fascinating discoveries – and we’re excited to share them with others.
Every item has its own story and journey, often crossing paths or running alongside others. We explore these themes in our workshops for schools, groups and partners. Our aim is to support national defence education and promote a deeper understanding of military history.
This house has been a home to knowledge for over 130 years
The Pärnu Military History Centre (PMAK) is located in the former Selja village schoolhouse, where knowledge has been passed on since the building was first opened in 1890. Built from fieldstone as a schoolhouse, the building served generations of learners until 2011, when the school closed its doors and the house awaited a new chapter. That chapter began in 2024, when a key forged through community effort unlocked a new future in military history education.
PMAK includes a rich, information-packed permanent exhibition as well as dedicated learning spaces for educational and training activities. In addition to the main building, visitors can also make use of the spacious outdoor area and surrounding nature – perfect for activities in both summer and winter.
Every place, every object, and every person has a story – and so does our Military History Centre.
This house, which provided school education for over a century, is now waking up from a long rest. It’s opening its doors once again – this time to the public – to continue its legacy of learning, now with a military focus.
As a young boy, I was especially fascinated by my grandfather’s stories – tales of his time in service and the discussions that came with it. Those patriotic and military themes captured my imagination and eventually led me to what you’ll soon be able to see and experience here at the centre.
Our mission is well summed up by the words of the well-known Estonian writer Juhan Liiv: “He who does not remember the past has no future.”
We’re not open just yet, but you can already get involved in the project. The security systems are up, the flag is flying, and this spring we’ll begin restoring the façade and setting up the exhibition.
Stay tuned – there’s more to come!
Kristjan Bachman
PMAK founder
Our Mission
The Pärnumaa Military History Centre (PMAK) has been established to collect, research, organise, preserve and share the military history of Pärnumaa and Estonia with the wider public.
To achieve this, we focus on engaging the community and providing educational programmes and awareness-raising activities – including curating, developing and maintaining a permanent military history exhibition open to all.
Üksi ei jõua kaugele
Mõttekoda
Koos tehes jõuab alati kaugemale, kui üksi pusides. Siin on välja toodud inimesed, kes oma nõu, teadmiste ja jõuga aitavad Pärnu Militaarajaloo Keskusel edasi areneda ja kasvad veelgi suuremaks ning põnevamaks kohaks.
