Dr. Fr. R. Kreutzwald Memorial Museum

The house where the Estonian national epic was born

The Dr. Fr. R. Kreutzwald Memorial Museum in Võru is one of the most meaningful buildings in the history of Estonian culture. For 44 years, this house was the home of Dr. Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald. He served as a doctor, but also laid the foundation for Estonian national literature and created the Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg.

The Memorial Museum provides an overview of Kreutzwald’s life story. It is designed in such a way that all visitors can get a deeper understanding about how Kreutzwald, his time and space fits into our own age.

The doctor and writer’s museum is located in one of the oldest buildings still preserved in the city of Võru (built in 1793).

The interior has survived as it was, so visitors will find themselves in the true home of the Father of The Songs (Kreutzwald’s nickname). Artworks inspired by Kreutzwald’s writings are on display in the storage house, as well as reprints of his books, and translations of Kalevipoeg, which has been published in 14 languages so far. Driving equipment is also on display in the stable, as well as several ethnographic wardrobe items, which create a vivid picture of Kreutzwald’s world. The sauna and cellar are also open, and you can take a walk in the beautiful garden, or rest a moment in the beautiful gazebo.