Jan 21, 2026
New Exhibition: Delightful Animal Toys Through the Ages
Do you remember your childhood favorite – a soft teddy bear, a rubber bunny, or perhaps a wooden horse? The Wittenstein Activity Museum is proud to present an enchanting animal toy exhibition that offers a journey of discovery for both children and adults.
A Journey Through Time with Estonia’s Foremost Collector
This special display is part of the unique collection of artist and art teacher Heli Mänd. Heli has been dedicated to collecting toys for over 20 years, building an extraordinary archive.
This exhibition is more than just a display of toys; it is living history. Heli Mänd’s mission is to bring hidden memories back to life, and this showcase at the Wittenstein Activity Museum is one of many exhibitions she has curated across Estonia.
What to Discover at the Exhibition?
Animal toys have accompanied us through generations, yet their shapes and forms have changed beyond recognition. At the exhibition, you can explore:
-
Rarities from the Past: See what animal-inspired companions looked like through the years.
-
Evolution of Materials: Follow the timeline from wood and rubber to modern plastics and soft plush fabrics.
-
The Joy of Recognition: Rediscover the very toys that belonged to your childhood or the childhoods of your parents and grandparents.
This is a rare opportunity to see how art and the toy industry have intertwined over time and to appreciate the emotional value these small companions hold for us all.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Wittenstein Activity Museum, Paide 🕒 Opening Hours: In winter time Wed–Sun, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Visits at other times by prior appointment)
For more information about our activities, visit: www.wittenstein.ee
Jan 6, 2026
🇪🇪 On 23 February, we will celebrate the 108th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia with a festive evening at the Wittenstein Activity Museum (Tallinna St 9/11, Paide).
The talented Valter Soosalu will perform together with the Tihvan Big Band. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy beautiful music and a delicious dinner.
Doors open at 7:30 PM.
The ticket price is €55 and includes the concert and a three-course dinner.
Tickets are available only in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door.
Ticket sales at the Wittenstein Activity Museum begin on 23 January.
Limited number of seats available!
The menu:
Starter
Dark bread with herring cream
Main Course
Traditional pork roast with Mulgipuder (Estonian potato and barley mash), served with glazed seasonal vegetables and a creamy mushroom sauce
Dessert
Festive treat with kama
More information: info@wittenstein.ee or +372 5850 2001
Dec 2, 2025
A new book about the stories and legends of the town of Paide has been published
A new work has been added to the cultural history of Järva County – fresh off the press is the book “Stories and Legends of Paide”, compiled by Tiiu Saaristi and Elle Näppo, members of the Friends of Järvamaa Museum Society. The book launch will take place on 6 December at 12:00 in the Wittenstein Activity Museum, where those interested can also purchase the publication.
The collection opens the door to the world of Paide’s folklore – to stories that are partly drawn from real life, partly passed down by word of mouth, and at times seasoned with a playful touch of imagination. The authors say that compiling the book was a kind of journey through the city’s layers of history and ancient tales. “We can’t always just dawdle around like Fred Jüssi. We wanted to do something that would connect the stories of the past with today’s readers,” says Tiiu Saaristi.
The idea for the book was born in the board of the Friends of Järvamaa Museum Society, where it was warmly received, and the society decided to cover the printing costs. The work was supported by several helpers. An important milestone was “Timid Waters and Secret Paths: Place Folklore of Järvamaa” (2004), compiled by Mari-Ann Remmel, whose author permitted the text to be quoted and used as supporting material. The language of the text was polished by Anne Kivimäe, the book was printed and bound by Kuma Publishing, and the cover design and layout were created by Rainer Alas.
The selection of stories emerged through extensive searching. “Surprisingly many interesting episodes can be found in old newspapers, and older local residents also remember quite a lot,” the authors note. “We tried to present the stories as authentically as possible – just as they were told by the narrators of the past.”
The museum staff also contributed to the completion of the book: together with Ründo Müls, the authors visited various sites to take photos, and with the help of Maie Rüütli, suitable illustrations were found in the museum’s collections. Paide Music and Theatre House supported the printing of the materials.
Now the result is bound between covers – a warm, memory-laden and folklore-rich collection that invites readers to discover the history of Paide through the stories and legends of its people.
Dec 1, 2025
Wittenstein Activity museum opened a new exhibition introducing the work of artist and Pallas University of Applied Sciences professor Heli Tuksam, titled “Stumps, Shoots and Spruce Trees”, at the Wittenstein Activity Museum.
Heli Tuksam (born 1956) is an artist originally from Pärnu. She currently lives in Järvamaa, surrounded by nature, but works in Tartu at the Pallas University of Applied Sciences. This year marks her 35th year of teaching. In 1985, she graduated from ERKI (now the Estonian Academy of Arts) from the Department of Painting, specialising in monumental painting under the supervision of Dolores Hoffmann. In her earlier work, the artist created numerous glass objects and stained-glass pieces, but in recent years she has focused mainly on acrylic painting. Tuksam has participated in several international exhibitions and many group exhibitions in Estonia.
Tuksam’s main sources of inspiration are her immediate living environment and often also certain feelings or emotions. For the artist, the act of painting is a dialogue with what unfolds on the canvas. This exhibition brings together works that deal primarily with the theme of forests and trees — with nature and the anticipation of the holidays at their centre.
At the exhibition opening, Pallas will also present the publication “The Rosette and Its Transformation in Interior Decoration”. The book compiles research conducted by students over several academic years on historical buildings and the rosette as a central ceiling cornice element, reflecting Pallas’ long-term restoration activity within Estonia’s architectural heritage. The publication examines the rosette as an important decorative and symbolic motif — both ornamental and believed to bring good fortune. Rosettes play a significant role especially during the Classicist and Historicist periods, which are represented in the examples discussed in the book. The overview is based on the interiors of two manors (Kiltsi and Esna) and one noble residence (the von Knorring House in Tartu). The book introduces the history and spatial layout of these buildings, breaks down the structure of their rosettes, and provides a stylistic overview of how rosettes and their elements evolved, accompanied by comparative examples from other Estonian manors. The selected buildings represent intentionally different conservation approaches. The book concludes with a small glossary, illustrated with examples and drawings, serving as a helpful resource for students, practising conservators, and those interested in art and architectural history.
Heli Tuksam’s exhibition will remain open in Paide until March 2026. Visiting hours are Wed–Sun from 10:00 to 18:00; other times by prior arrangement.
Additional information:
Ründo Mülts
SA Ajakeskus Wittenstein / Järvamaa Museum
5668 2165
Oct 28, 2025
Come and enjoy the Christmas spirit on November 30th (First Advent Sunday) at the Wittenstein Activity Museum, Tallinna Street, and Paide Town Square.
12:00–18:00 – Everyone is welcome to the Wittenstein Christmas Gifts and Flavours Market, stretching from the Wittenstein Activity Museum to Paide Town Square. The market will offer a wide selection of handcrafted products and local foods.
Cafés in Paide Old Town will serve special Christmas dishes and treats.
As Advent begins, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about Christmas presents — the market is full of unique handmade gifts. You can also make your own special presents in the Wittenstein Activity Museum workshops.
13:00 the folk dance groups Säsi from Paide Gymnasium will perform at the Wittenstein Activity Museum.
15:00 – Christmas concert at Paide Holy Cross Church by Paide Hammerbeck Primary School students.
Performing groups include the 2nd–4th grade girls’ choir Viisikamber, the 1st grade children’s choir Päikseke, the boys’ choir, the children’s choir, and the ukulele ensemble.
All are conducted by Malle Anton.
16:00 – Lighting of the Christmas tree at Paide Town Square. Performances by the Paide Music and Theatre House women’s choir and the young women’s folk dance group “Seltskond.”
Vendors are welcome to contact tel. 554 9899 or info@wittenstein.ee
For the First Sunday of Advent, the cafés of Paide offer special Christmas flavors and create a festive atmosphere.
Paide Central Square Café
Christmas dishes from different nations for both children and adults. The café will be filled with true holiday spirit, which you can enjoy together with Christmas flavors from November 30th until Christmas.
Treegeri Café
Delicious Christmas-themed pastries.
SushiMushi Paide
Japanese-style Christmas flavors.
Kreisi Trahter
Traditional tavern dishes.
Jaama Café
A pop-up Christmas food café in the courtyard of the Wittenstein Activity Museum.
Wittenstein Activity Museum Tavern
Christmas dishes from different historical eras.
Oct 6, 2025
If you are looking for a school excursion in December that combines education, experience, and festive spirit, Wittenstein Christmas Land in Paide offers the perfect solution. The programs are designed for school groups who want to learn about Estonian history, culture, and Christmas traditions through practical and engaging activities.
“A Fun Christmas Journey in a 19th-Century Small Town”
Students travel back in time to a 19th-century small town preparing for Christmas. They meet historical craftsmen such as apothecaries and blacksmiths, learning about their trades and daily life. In addition, students can participate in hands-on workshops where skills and knowledge are gained through practical activities:
These activities foster creativity, manual skills, and provide a thorough understanding of 19th-century culture and life.
“Christmas Celebration Through Estonian History”
The Time Center program takes students on a journey through eight different historical Christmas celebrations. Students meet characters from various eras and learn about traditional customs, sing and dance, bake gingerbread, and taste the foods eaten by ancestors during Christmas.
The programs combine history and culture with hands-on activities, allowing students to learn through experience and engagement.
Why Wittenstein Christmas programs are suitable for school trips
-
Educational content: knowledge about Estonian history, culture, and Christmas traditions.
-
Hands-on activities: crafts, workshops, and gingerbread baking develop creativity and manual skills.
-
Age-appropriate: activities are tailored for different age groups, suitable for both primary and secondary school students.
-
Diverse experience: time-traveling through Christmas celebrations of different eras provides both learning and entertainment.
More information and booking:
Email: info@wittenstein.ee
Phone: +372 5850 2001
Learn more about the programs:
