Tartu Toy Museum

A visit to the Tartu Observatory Visitor Centre in Tõravere represents one of the places worth exploring in South Estonia, marked with a yellow National Geographic window. It is highly recommended for space enthusiasts. What you can see at the observatory: An outdoor area and the Stellarium with space attractions The hilly landscape of Tõravere through the yellow window The largest telescope in the Nordic countries, with a 1.5 m mirror Exhibitions and activities for schools and businesses. Come and visit us; we've got the cosmos here! In autumn, winter, and spring, tours are by appointment only. They are held on weekdays for a minimum of ten people.

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.

Fairytale Alatskivi Castle awaits visitors in South Estonia, about 40 km from Tartu. In the castle, you travel back in time to the 19th century, get acquainted with the life of a noble family and the manor's daily routine, and meet the servants who worked here a hundred years ago, brought to life with wax figures in the basement. Castle guides share captivating stories, and visitors can create a personal souvenir in the ceramic workshop. Allocate at least 1.5 hours to explore the exhibition, which spans three floors. On the castle's third floor is the museum of composer Eduard Tubin, which presents the life and works of one of Estonia's most famous musicians. The former carriage-horse stable next to the castle offers insight into the manor's management and daily operations. Alatskivi Castle is part of the Onion Route, which can also be explored through the bright yellow National Geographic windows. Stroll in the castle park, enjoy nature on the Alatskivi hiking trail, stay in romantic castle suites, and taste local dishes at the castle restaurant.

The Estonian Aviation Museum near Tartu is an exciting destination for aviation enthusiasts and families! Here you can see rare planes and helicopters from various countries, including the USA, England, and France. The indoor and outdoor areas display anti-aircraft weapons and an aviation collection consisting of over 500 models, which provides a valuable overview of the history of aviation. It is also possible to peek inside the planes. In addition to the exhibition, the museum offers plenty of experiences, including a 20-meter catapult, various flight simulators, and trampolines. The Aviation Museum can host lectures and company and family events.

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.

Theatre House, situated in Tartu Old Town, is a theatre inspired by a museum, forming a part of the Tartu Toy Museum. The Theatre House takes its inspiration from our childhood, the games we played, the dreams we had, and the fantasies we brought to life. The Theatre House stages plays, but you can also put on your own show, play games, make handicrafts, and discover what goes on behind the scenes in the theatre world. There is a children’s studio on the first floor, in which children’s groups can take part in theatre-themed programmes. Visitors find a museum, an automated puppet theatre, and several exciting theatre-themed exhibitions in the basement level.

The museum is located at the historical Ülenurme Manor and introduces the development of the Estonian agriculture and rural life.In addition to exhibitions, museum visitors can participate in museum classes meant for children and adults, participate in master classes or cooking workshops, enjoy the nice surroundings and meet farm animals. The museum ponies take children for a ride. There are several traditional, but also innovative family events at the museum.It is possible to rent the museum's rooms and territory for events.

Between Hellenurme, Elva, and Otepää, there is a unique opportunity to see Estonia's last historical water-powered flour and grist mill in operation – the Hellenurme Water Mill. Upon arrival, we explore the mill building and views over the mill pond to Hellenurme Manor, then we open the turbine, and the mill begins to work, powered by water. Through the mill's four floors, you can see, touch, and feel the power of the mill, and soon fresh flour and grist fall into the bag as in the old days. In the bread house, you can try breadmaking under the guidance of the Mill Mistress, honoring traditions and telling stories about bread and the wisdom of ancestors. In the bread trough, dough is kneaded from sourdough. Each guest molds their own little loaf from a dough ball, which the Mill Mistress throws into the large bread oven with an old bread peel. Soon, the bread house fills with the smell of bread, and each guest can take their loaf from the oven, which tastes warm and buttery like an unforgettable dessert! As writer Juhan Liiv wrote: "... warm bread – imagine!"