Tartu is the birthplace of beer brewing in Estonia. It has been a beer city for almost 1000 years. A beer museum opened on the territory of the A. Le Coq Brewery in 2003. The museum introduces the history of industrial beer brewing. Almost 2,000 items were on display in the malt tower completed in 1898: beer bottles and caps, tankards, and barrels.
Guests can see the equipment used for domestic brewing and old industrial brewing equipment. A fascinating item is an A. Le Coq bottle that spent 150 years at the bottom of a sea. All museum visits end at the museum pub, where guests of the museum can sample A. Le Coq’s beverages.
| Address | Laulupeo puiestee 15 |
St. Paul’s Church is the only Estonian sacral building in the Art Nouveau style, as well as one of the most outstanding 20th-century sacral buildings in Estonia. The church and its wings form one of the most remarkable ensembles of sacral architecture. Finnish-American architect Eliel Saarinen designed the church in 1913. Completion of the construction and consecration of the building took place in 1917.
Interior of the St. Paul’s Church
The interior came to completion in 1919. There was a fire in the church during World War II. But the congregation initiated its partial restoration, so it was re-consecrated in 1966. Today, the church has been completely restored based on the design by Merja Nieminen and Kari Järvinen, Finnish architects. They got their inspiration from Eliel Saarinen.
| Address | Riia 27 |
The Toomemägi Park was given to the University of Tartu by Emperor Paul I. It was first used by townsfolk to graze cattle. For hundreds of years, it had been the central point of the local population. Later it became the site of an episcopal castle – the heart of the medieval city.
In the early decades of the 19th century, the university’s plantation committee decided to turn it into a public park with alleys of trees, paved roads, and bridged gulleys.
Intellectual Focal Point
Along with the library, anatomical theater, observatory, and clinic, it formed the intellectual focal point of the city. The park is a popular gathering point for students of Tartu University. A nice attraction to see in the evening (it has fabulous lighting) is the Angel Bridge.
The Tartu Art Museum, also known as Tartmus, is a prominent cultural institution in Estonia. Despite its name, the museum is located in the city. It is renowned for its extensive collection of contemporary and historical art, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts.
Historical Background
Founded in 1940, the museum was established to collect, preserve, and promote contemporary art. The museum is housed in a unique building known as the “Leaning House,” located in Town Hall Square. This building, constructed in 1793, is notable for its 5.8-degree tilt, which is even more pronounced than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museum’s collection includes around 23,000 items, featuring works by both Estonian and foreign artists associated with Estonia. The collection spans from the 18th century to the present day, offering a comprehensive overview of the region’s artistic heritage. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions that bridge the past and present, engaging contemporary audiences with important cultural and social themes.
Educational Programs and Activities
The Art Museum is committed to education and community engagement. It offers a variety of programs, including guided tours, workshops, and virtual reality experiences. These activities are designed to make art accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Visiting Information
The museum is open to the public with various ticket options available, including reduced rates for students, seniors, and families. Special events and free admission days are also part of the museum’s offerings, making it an inclusive space for all art lovers.
| Address | Rüütli 23 |
Tartu University (UT) is Estonia’s leading research and training center. It preserves the culture of the Estonian people and spearheads the country’s reputation in research. UT belongs to the top 3% of the world’s best universities.
As Estonia’s national university, UT stresses the importance of international cooperation and partnerships with reputable research universities worldwide. The robust research potential of the university is demonstrated by the UT joining the Coimbra Group, a prestigious club of renowned research universities. The university includes four faculties.
Bilateral Agreements
To support and develop the professional competence of its students and academic staff, the university has entered into bilateral cooperation agreements with 64 partner institutions in 23 countries.
The Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus founded the university in 1632. It was first called Academia Dorpatensis. Johan Skytte, governor-general of Livonia made the necessary preparations for creating a university in the city (then Dorpat). Academia Dorpatensis, modeled after the University of Uppsala in Sweden, intended to pursue research and advance learning in various disciplines.
The university has continued to adhere to this approach throughout the centuries and remains today the only classical university in Estonia. Research at UT focuses on subjects as diverse as medicine and philosophy, genetics, and computer science.
| Address | Ülikooli 18 |
The University of Tartu Botanical Garden is a historic and vibrant green space that has been delighting visitors for over two centuries. Established in 1803, it is the oldest botanical garden in the Baltic States and continues to serve as a center for education, research, and recreation.
Originally situated near Vanemuise Street, the garden was relocated in 1806 to its current location on Lai Street, on the northern side of Tartu’s old town. Designed by renowned botanists, Professors Ledebour and Bunge, the garden has played a crucial role in botanical research and education throughout its history.
Plant Collections
The garden boasts an impressive collection of over 10,000 species and varieties of plants. Visitors can explore diverse plant life, including rare and protected species, as well as new decorative plants. The greenhouses are a highlight, featuring plants from rainforests, deserts, and other exotic environments.
Greenhouses
The greenhouses at the Tartu botanical garden are divided into several sections, each replicating different climates. These include the palm house, the tropical house, the near-tropical house, and the desert plant section. The greenhouses are home to a variety of exotic plants and animals, making them a fascinating destination for visitors.
Address: Lai 38