Kihnu Museum

When visiting Kihnu Island, a stop at the Kihnu Museum is a must! The museum plays a key role in preserving and presenting the Kihnu cultural heritage, which is listed as part of UNESCO's cultural heritage. Founded in 1974 in the former school building in Linaküla and extensively renovated in 2009, the museum offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Kihnu people through tools, clothing, handicrafts, and furniture. There are also exhibits about famous Kihnu figures, such as ethnographer Theodor Saar, ship captain Enn Uuetoa, and silversmith Peeter Rooslaid. The museum houses a vast collection of traditional Kihnu handicrafts, showcasing the remarkable skills of Kihnu women. It also features works by Kihnu naïve artists. Kihnu's museum culture is unique – many everyday items still in use on the island would usually only be seen in museum displays elsewhere. This makes the local heritage museum an extensive open-air museum with a museum inside. The most important mission of the Kihnu Museum is to document everyday changes – collecting and preserving cultural heritage is more important than just exhibiting. The museum is home to Estonia's largest collection of naïve art, created by Kihnu naïve artists. The permanent exhibition is organized according to the stages of life, highlighting two distinct worlds: women with their homes, children, and animals, and men, whose lives are intertwined with the sea. A highlight in the men's room is the wax figure of the famous captain Kihnu Jõnn.