Rare Estonian-made gramophones on display at Järva County museum
A temporary exhibition at the Estonian Bicycle Museum in Väätsa features dozens of crank-operated gramophones, including four restored Estonian-made models on public display for the first time.
This summer, the Estonian Bicycle Museum in Väätsa, Järva County, has opened a temporary exhibition dedicated to gramophones. The display includes dozens of crank-operated gramophones that play phonograph records made from shellac, dating from 1903 to 1938.
Among the highlights are four rare Estonian-made models dating from around 1930: the Estella, Heling, Columbus and Ennak. These gramophones have been restored by the museum and are now on public display for the first time.
Visitors can also see predecessors of the gramophone, including a late 19th-century tinplate player and a cylindrical music box. Both can be demonstrated upon request.
The museum's permanent exhibition remains open as well, featuring nearly 200 historic bicycles tracing the history of cycling in Estonia, along with pre-World War II everyday devices such as typewriters, adding machines and telephones.
The gramophone exhibition is included in the regular museum admission fee. It is also possible to visit outside regular opening hours by prior arrangement.
