There once was a hotel that came to be named the Viru.
The year was 1972, and there were still two decades or so until the fall of Communism and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Any hotel that was appropriate for foreign visitors also had to be appropriate for the KGB...
This museum tells the story of more than just one hotel and the KGB: it is a treasure trove of stories of two different worlds - one which existed mostly on paper, of happy Soviet citizens living in friendship and never wanting for anything, led by a wise, all-powerful group of men in a place where there were never any accidents or catastrophes; and the other real world, which was a very different and a much tougher place to live in.
Please book in advance to visit the museum.
based on 1274 reviews
wow not this is a hidden gem, would recommend booking tickets in advance if possible. the desk for the tour is located towards the back on the left in the lobby of the hotel The guide was super... Read more comments
We arrived at 11am. We saw the small introduction to the museum in the hotel lobby but were confused where the museum actually was. We checked online and realised that the museum is on the 23rd floor... Read more comments
Booked and paid for the tickets online (15€ /adult). Its recommend to book a slot as they only take 14 pax each session. It's a 60 minute guided tour but allocate a little more time as you're allowed... Read more comments