Kogo Gallery is an internationally operating contemporary art gallery located in Tartu's Aparaaditehas. The gallery focuses on a younger generation of artists and supports their international visibility by introducing their work to a wider audience. Kogo's mission is to foster free creation, interdisciplinary thinking, imagination, and novel ideas, and to initiate and maintain creative relationships by bringing together creative individuals and art enthusiasts. The gallery's diverse exhibition program features both solo projects by artists and curator-created exhibitions. In addition to exhibitions, Kogo organizes a variety of public programs at the gallery. The gallery also involves experts from different fields in its activities to develop dialogue on important societal issues. Kogo Gallery offers visitors numerous art experiences, including exhibitions and art sales, art rental for special events, gallery tours for groups, gallery space rental for special events, and curating and advising art collectors.
The permanent exhibition Earth. Life. Story. includes nearly 8,000 scientific exhibit items, which tell the development story of planet Earth from the beginning of the universe until the modern day. At the exhibition, you can explore the traces of life from millions of years ago, admire shiny minerals, watch the so-called night airport of butterflies, or track the movement of the placoderm fish from the Devonian era. You can look the first jackal caught in Estonia in the eye and experience the human body through the eyes of a reptile. Visitors will be glad to see the favourites of several generations: the elk, bison, and giraffe. We also have live animals, such as the Python Regius, a turtle, a green iguana, and many other small exotic animals. See you at the Natural History Museum!
The main exposition of the Lake Museum is live Estonian freshwater fish. Our freshwater fish are not exhibited elsewhere in Estonia in such species quantity.About half of Estonia's freshwater fish live here, including more exotic species, as well as turtles, lake balls, and crayfish.You can visit 2 floor aquariums and 2 large cylindrical aquariums. There are more than 25 different aquariums in total. There is also a collection of fishing gear, an exhibition of primitive fish, and much more!You can book a sauna raft for a pleasure cruise or a sauna session and use a seminar room with a million-dollar view. During summers, a café is open.
The University of Tartu's main building is a truly remarkable and historically significant structure located in Tartu's Old Town. The building was designed by the university's architect, Johann Wilhelm Krause, and constructed between 1804 and 1809. It was inaugurated with a ceremonial event on July 3, 1809, and since then, it has been the central venue for the university, hosting all important celebrations, scientific and cultural events, and gatherings of the academic community. The main building's classical architecture, with its columned facade and dignified interior, has shaped Tartu as a university town. The main building houses the White Hall, where concerts, conferences, and ceremonial events take place. Another special attraction is the student prison in the attic, which offers an intriguing insight into the strict rules of 19th-century student life. Visitors can also explore the University of Tartu Art Museum in the main building. The main building can also be explored on a guided tour, organized through the University of Tartu Art Museum by prior appointment.
A guided winter walking tour in the fairytale-like Old Town of Tartu feels like a journey to a magical land: your senses are open, wishes come true... On the tour, we explore the mysteries of Tartu's history and learn about the more mystical aspects of various places, legends, light and shadows, and feel the aura of centuries past. Walking through the Old Town, illuminated by Christmas lights, on snowy streets, and in a quiet park environment, snowy Tartu unfolds like a postcard – every corner hides a new story, and each step reveals the city's unique character. A leisurely pace allows you to enjoy the moment and notice architecture and details that might otherwise go unnoticed. On the walk, we also explore the local flavors of Tartu's Christmas City, which add warmth to the journey and provide an opportunity to experience winter Tartu with all your senses. The Winter Fairytale Walking Tour is designed for smaller groups, couples, and solo travelers seeking a more personal winter experience of Tartu. Come and discover the magic of winter in Tartu's Old Town!
The museum introduces the life led by farmers in the 18th century and the everyday lives and work of our forefathers. There are five oak sculptures created by St Petersburg artist Grigori Azarenkov by the museum. The museum is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, which make it a popular venue for folk parties and theatre performances.
Tartu Art House is the home of the Tartu Artists’ Union and the heart of the city's art scene. It's not just a gallery room; it's a vibrant meeting place where creativity, diverse perspectives, and the spirit of an era meet. Art House is an important cultural node that brings together Estonian and international artists – known top performers, bold new talents, and, of course, all art lovers – on a regular basis. In three distinctive galleries, exhibitions alternate frequently, offering viewers something new and inspiring at every visit. Various forms of contemporary art are represented. Curators' offices, discussions, and meetings with artists help to gain a deeper understanding of the work on display and bring art closer to visitors for a more personal experience. All exhibitions and excursions are free for visitors. It is also possible to participate in practical workshops. Tartu Art House is waiting for you to discover Estonian art; a visit can show you a new perspective.
The University of Tartu Art Museum is located in the historical University Main Building and has Pompeian-style interior. The museum’s permanent exhibition consists of sculptures, mostly from the antiquity – original size plaster cast copies of the best works of Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic Greece. The Art Museum also displays many ancient originals: coins, vases, clay lamps, and cuneiform tablets. There is also the mysterious mummy chamber, where you can find a genuine Egyptian mummy. You can also visit the beautiful Assembly Hall of the university and the student lock-up in the attic.