Tartu has museums for every taste
Tartu is home to an impressive selection of museums that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit. Visitors can explore a wide variety of exhibits, ranging from historical artifacts and scientific discoveries to contemporary art and hands-on interactive experiences. With something for everyone, Tartu’s museums make the city an ideal destination for those interested in culture and learning.
The Estonian National Museum
The brightest gem on Tartu’s museum landscape is undoubtedly the Estonian National Museum (ERM), which, as a national museum, has been interpreting Estonian identity, upholding the core values of the people, and preserving continuity since 1909. In October 2016, ERM was reopened in a new building located in Raadi Manor Park, on the site of a former Soviet-era airport. The building impresses visitors with its unique architectural design.
ERM’s mission is to reflect everyday life and culture as a way of living, considering its temporal, spatial, and social diversity. The museum focuses on Estonian culture, supplemented by other Finno-Ugric peoples, particularly the smaller Baltic-Finnic nations. Besides its exhibitions, the museum hosts a year-round program of music, theater, film, and art, as well as conferences, seminars, workshops, and training sessions. ERM is also a high-level research institution, serving as a nurturing ground for young ethnologists and cultural scholars, with a rich library of printed materials central to its educational activities. To enhance the visitor experience, the museum also features a restaurant and café, along with a museum shop offering a wide selection of various souvenirs.
University of Tartu Museums
The University of Tartu Museums, with their rich collections, offer a great deal of discovery and joy for visitors of all ages. The University of Tartu Museum, located in the historic Cathedral, presents the history of science and university education from the 17th century to the present day. Here, you can explore the university’s rich heritage and delve into stories of science, art, astronomy, medicine, and student life. From May to October, the cathedral towers are also open, offering a beautiful view of the city. The University of Tartu Art Museum, housed in the university’s main building, is the only place in Estonia where you can see ancient art and access the building’s unique spaces, including the classical-style assembly hall and the student lock-up located in the attic.
The Tartu Observatory is now a modern museum and school astronomy center, offering fascinating insights into astronomy and the history of space exploration. Historically, the Tartu Observatory has been a jewel in Estonia’s scientific history and one of the world’s significant astronomy centers. The University of Tartu Natural History Museum, Estonia’s oldest museum founded in 1802, houses collections in zoology, geology, botany, and mycology. The University of Tartu Botanical Garden, the oldest continuously operating botanical garden in the Baltics, offers an educational and enjoyable journey into the plant world. Situated on a beautiful park area along the Emajõgi River, designed on the ruins of Tartu’s medieval city wall, the garden features over 8,000 species and varieties of plants from around the world.
Tartu City History Museums
A significant portion of the museum’s collection consists of an archaeological collection reflecting Tartu’s older history and a photographic collection documenting the spatial development of the city. The permanent exhibition “Dorpat. Jurjev. Tartu.” showcases Tartu’s diverse history, complemented by various temporary exhibitions.
The Tartu City Museum has four branches:
– The 19th Century Tartu City Citizen Museum features a Bürgermeier-style interior from the 1830s.
– The KGB Cells Museum provides an insight into the cells of Tartu’s NKVD/KGB pre-trial prison.
– The Oskar Luts House Museum invites visitors to explore the home of the writer in Tammelinn.
– The Tartu Song Festival Museum presents the tradition of Estonian song festivals and Tartu’s role in their development.
Science Centre AHHAA
Want to be surprised? The Science Centre AHHAA offers science, exciting activities, adventures, and enjoyable pastimes for both children and adults. The centre provides an engaging learning environment where you can acquire new knowledge.
All exhibits are designed with a “hands-on” approach, meaning you have the opportunity to touch and try everything yourself. Whether it’s the planetarium, creating educational materials in the school lab, exploring fascinating technical equipment, or enjoying science theatre, there’s something for everyone.
TYPA Printing and Paper Arts Centre
At the TYPA Print and Paper Art Centre, you can see both the paper-making process and various printing presses, equipment related to books and printed materials, as well as Estonia’s largest collection of type specimens. The most enriching visit experience is achieved by participating in one of the workshops offered here.
University of Tartu Art Museum
The Tartu Art Museum (Tartmus) is the largest art museum in Southern Estonia, founded in 1940 by members of the art association Pallas. Tartmus collects and showcases contemporary Estonian art, while remaining true to its Pallasian roots.
Theatre House of the Tartu Toy Museum
Located in the heart of the city center, the Tartu Toy Museum and Theatre Home offer every adult a glimpse into their childhood and provide a delightful experience for every child. The permanent exhibition features toys that children in this region have played with throughout history, including artist dolls, souvenir dolls from various cultures, and traditional Finno-Ugric toys. The outdoor building displays unique Estonian puppet film dolls and hosts temporary exhibitions.
A. Le Coqi Õllemuuseum
Tartu is the birthplace of the Estonian brewing industry. The A. Le Coq Beer Museum‘s exhibition tells the story of beer history worldwide and in Estonia. Visitors can also explore beer-related equipment, including caps, bottles, jugs, and barrels, as well as student beer-drinking customs.
Eesti Põllumajandusmuuseum
A few kilometers south of Tartu, in the historic Ülenurme Manor, the Estonian Agricultural Museum showcases Estonian rural culture, agricultural traditions, and techniques. The museum is home to several animals, including ponies, horses, rabbits, goats, sheep, and quails. Visitors can participate in workshops and enjoy entertaining family events. Pony rides on the museum grounds are also available by appointment.
Eesti Lennundusmuuseum
The Estonian Aviation Museum has been operating since 2002, evolving from a private collection. Its model collection includes over 400 high-quality replicas of airplanes, helicopters, and rockets. The museum offers various attractions that provide excitement and discovery for the whole family.
There are many more fascinating places in the region. You can find beautiful churches, various galleries, picturesque natural views, unique neighborhoods, areas with intriguing histories, and many other locations that each tell a part of Estonia’s and Tartu’s stories in one way or another. Additionally, new and traditional events take place year-round, offering experiences for both locals and visitors. You can stay updated on the diverse events in the area by visiting the website kultuuriaken.ee.