Chaplin Centre, Parnu, Estonia
The Chaplin Centre, nestled in the city of Parnu, Estonia, is an art center housed in the former Communist Party headquarters. It is formally known as the Pärnu Uue Kunsti Muuseum (Pärnu Contemporary Art Museum). The name "Chaplin" was suggested to be an alternative name for the center as it represents hope and diversity, although the center’s primary focus is on films and arts. The Chaplin Center organizes regular art shows, film fests, and temporary exhibits featuring contemporary Estonian art. But there are also permanent modern Estonian art collections exhibited in the center. Some of the exhibits are held outdoors, as well, especially in the summer.
From the Chaplin Centre, you can easily walk to the other interesting sites within Parnu, two of which are the Parnu Beach and St. Catherine’s Church. The beach is within a 15-minute walk from the center and attracts thousands of beach goers every year, most notably during the summer season. The waters at the beach are shallow, making it an ideal spot for both kids and adults. Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Church is an age-old structure dating back to the 1760's. Its Baroque style, which inspired numerous churches in the Baltic states, was designed by an architect named P. Jegorov. These three attractions are a mere ten to fifteen-minute walk from the Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa. Featuring a restaurant and bar, airport shuttle, and business center, this four-star hotel is among the top-rated accommodations in the area. Pärnu Hotel is also another excellent hotel choice as it serves a complimentary buffet breakfast and has a full-service spa and car rentals in the property.
