PROTO avastustehas has opened its renovated second floor and offers a new 5D experience
Located in the Noblessner quarter in Tallinn, PROTO avastustehas has undergone a major renovation. From 5 May 2026 visitors can access the centre's renovated second floor, where they can discover new interactive exhibits, experiment with light and movement, and explore the world of inventions in a practical and playful way.
In addition, a new 5D experience is available at PROTO: PROTOS: Journey to the Interior of the Earth, which takes visitors on a journey into the interior of the Earth. The experience combines virtual reality, moving chairs, and physical effects, including wind, making it considerably more immersive than an ordinary cinema or VR session.
PROTO is located at Peetri 10, Tallinn, in the Noblessner harbour district. The centre is known as a place where historical inventions, imaginative machines and modern virtual reality come together to form a coherent experience. It is not a traditional museum where exhibits are viewed from a distance. At PROTO, visitors must try, press, direct, move and experiment themselves.
The renovated second floor offers more opportunities for discovery
PROTO's renovated second floor focuses primarily on hands-on discovery. Visitors do not merely learn how a phenomenon works but can experience it themselves. This is an important difference, especially for children and young people: physics, optics and mechanics are more memorable when they can be explored hands-on.
The new exhibits include, for example, a laser maze with mirrors, a model steam locomotive, a zoetrope, microscopes, and experiments involving light and optics. These are not random attractions, but themes that fit with PROTO's overall concept: to show how inventions are born, how technical solutions work, and how a simple idea can grow into something much bigger.
The laser maze helps visitors understand the reflection of light. Visitors can direct a beam of light using mirrors and immediately see how each small change affects the result. It is a playful task, but it is based on a clear physical principle.
The model steam locomotive takes visitors into the world of the industrial age and mechanics. PROTO's concept is strongly linked to 19th-century inventors, steam engines, and technological imagination. Such exhibits show how old engineering ideas have also influenced modern technology.
The zoetrope introduces the basic principle of animation. It shows how still images create the illusion of movement. In the age of digital video, an exhibit like this is especially valuable because it makes visible the very simple mechanism on which many later visual technologies are based.
Microscopes add a research dimension to the exhibition. They allow visitors to view objects that are normally invisible to the naked eye. For children, this is often a very powerful experience: a familiar object suddenly becomes complex, detailed and unexpectedly interesting.
New 5D experience PROTOS
One of the most notable new features at PROTO is the 5D experience PROTOS: Journey to the Interior of the Earth. It is not just a short film or an ordinary virtual reality attraction. The visitor sits in a moving chair, sees a virtual environment, and simultaneously feels physical effects.
This format suits the character of PROTO well. The centre's strength lies not in the dry presentation of facts, but in connecting knowledge with experience. First, interest and emotion arise in the visitor, followed by the question: how does it work? That is precisely when learning begins.
The theme of the 5D experience, a journey into the Earth's interior, adds an adventurous dimension to the experience. It may appeal to both children and adults because visitors do not remain mere spectators but feel like part of the journey.
According to PROTO, admission to the 5D cinema is included in the price of a ticket to the PROTO Discovery Centre. However, before your visit, it is worth checking the official website for current ticket prices, opening times and any restrictions, as these may vary depending on the season.
Practical information
The PROTO Discovery Centre is located at Peetri 10, Tallinn. According to official informationfrom Tuesday to Sunday at 11.00-18.00; the centre is closed on Mondays. In July, PROTO is scheduled to be open every day at, the usual opening hours are10.00-19.00.
You should allow at least two hours for the visit, but for a more relaxed experience, it is advisable to plan for about three hours. If you go with children, it may take longer, as they usually want to try some of the attractions and experiments several times.
In brief
What opened at PROTO in May 2026?
From 5 May 2026, PROTO's renovated second floor with new interactive exhibits is open to visitors.
Is there a new 5D experience at PROTO?
Yes, the 5D experience PROTOS is available at PROTO, combining VR, moving seats and physical effects.
Where is PROTO located?
PROTO avastustehas is located at Peetri 10 in the Noblessner quarter of Tallinn.
Is PROTO suitable for visiting with children?
Yes, PROTO is well suited to families, schoolchildren and anyone interested in inventions, technology and interactive experiments.
Sources: PROTO renovated second floor, PROTO 5D experience, PROTO opening hours.