Proto discovery workshop - experience centre in Tallinn

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | PROTO Discovery Workshop in Tallinn is an interactive experience center where historical inventions meet modern technology. Here, both children and adults can experiment, try out different activities, and step into imaginative worlds with the help of virtual reality.

PROTO discovery workshop in Tallinn

PROTO Discovery Workshop, or PROTO Avastusthehas as the place is called in Estonian, is an interactive science and experience center in Tallinn. It combines inventions and technology from the 19th century in particular with modern VR experiences and activities where visitors can experiment themselves.

PROTO is located in the old Noblessner shipyard in the Põhja-Tallinn district, close to both Kalamaja and the Sjöflyghamnen port. The large industrial premises were previously part of the Noblessner shipyard area and contribute greatly to the special atmosphere.

At PROTO you can experience some of the most important technological discoveries from the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, either through virtual reality (VR) or by actively "trying it out".

The environment is really cool and it immediately feels like stepping into a "fairytale world". Those who are competitive can choose to register their e-mail address and have their results documented. Otherwise, just get on and start the adventure!

Experiments and activities

There are all sorts of activities and things to do at PROTO Discovery Workshop. Here you will find, for example, model trains that you can start by cranking, a ”cyclodrome” where you can compete to be the first to finish, air cannons that you use to keep balls in the air and all sorts of other things.

VR experiences at PROTO

Virtual reality was what we were most drawn to during our visit. With VR goggles, you can step into fantasy worlds inspired by old inventions and ideas about what future technology could one day look like.

We started by testing the ”self-driving carriage.” You can think back to the time when horse and cart were the normal means of transportation, and how shocked people were when inventor Gustave Trouvé presented an electric tricycle at an international exhibition in Paris in 1881.

Now you can pretend to be an inventor who has developed a new self-driving car. One person sits at the back and regulates the speed and one sits at the front and steers ... help, this flying (!) vehicle is going nowhere!

We also spent a lot of time on the big 'submarine'. The world below the surface is still partially unexplored and, with the help of imagination, you can go on an adventure with Jules Verne to the lost city of Atlantis. Peter got totally lost in another world, while trying to save the submarine and shoot down the mysterious opponents outside.

There are also plenty of other VR experiences at this Tallinn experience centre. Flying a hot air balloon, for example, was great fun, and Peter also tested 'steam-powered' racing cars. There are also flying bikes, a flying machine, a steam locomotive and an underground vehicle.

PROTO has gained new experiences

Since our visit, PROTO has continued to evolve. In 2026, a revamped second floor opened with more interactive experiments, where visitors can test, build and put various inventions into motion. There is also a new 5D experience that combines virtual reality with moving chairs and other effects.

Visit PROTO in Tallinn

We highly recommend a visit to Proto Discovery Workshop, for anyone traveling with children or young people, or who themselves are a bit youthful in mind. At Proto there is also a café where you can pause for a little rest and recharge. This may be necessary, because even though the VR experiences are really fun, you almost get a little dizzy in the ball.

PROTO is located in the Noblessner area at Peetri 10 in Tallinn. Allow a couple of hours for a visit, especially if you want to try out both VR experiences and interactive experiments. PROTO is especially good for families with children, but we had just as much fun ourselves.

Opening hours, ticket prices and activities are subject to change, so please check the latest information before your visit.

More to see and do in Tallinn

When you visit PROTO, you might want to take the opportunity to discover more of the Estonian capital. Here you will find tips and inspiration:

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• Spas in Tallinn