The history of the Traditional Music Center

The predecessor of the Traditional Music Center is one of the numerous outbuildings of the former Viljandi manor. This large rectangular stone building was erected on the site of the medieval Teutonic Order castle, on the northwest edge of the town-facing third outer bailey, where the castle's stable and presumably the stable boys' living quarters were once located. The exact construction date of the barn is not known.

The location of the Viljandi manor's core northwest of the castle was already indicated on plans from the Swedish era. However, information about the buildings dates back only to the city plan of 1790. Above the barn in question, opposite St. John's Church, there is a large building facing towards the town with its long side, and to its right, another slightly smaller structure perpendicular to it. The inscription on the plan indicates that these are manor barns (Kleten). The same situation is depicted on the city plans of 1832 and 1866.