Valga Museum

Discover the heart of Estonian literature: the Oskar Luts Home Museum in Tartu! The museum is a quiet, charming place that takes you back in time and offers a glimpse into the life of one of Estonia's most beloved writers, Oskar Luts (1887–1953). The museum is located in a functionalist house built in the 20th century, where the author's personal belongings, furniture, manuscripts, and work desk have been preserved. The permanent exhibition reveals Luts's influence on literature, theatre, and film. The authentic atmosphere and warm stories offer a meaningful experience even for those just discovering his name. This is not just a museum, but a home where literature and life meet!

The TYPA Print and Paper Art Center, located in Tartu, invites you to participate in a paper marbling workshop. This technique, which is over a thousand years old, is a simple yet captivating way to create unique artworks. Marbling paints are dripped into a special water bath, where they float on the surface, and beautiful patterns can be formed using bamboo sticks or other tools. When paper is gently placed on the water's surface, the pattern transfers onto the sheet, creating a distinctive pattern. Each marbled paper is unique because the process starts anew with each sheet. This makes the workshop a special experience, resulting in something new and surprising every time. Participants can experiment with different colors and shapes, allowing creativity to flow freely. The finished paper can later be used in various ways. It is perfect for decorating cards, invitations, and gift packages, as book covers, or even as an interior design element. The marbled paper sheets created in the workshop bring joy both to the creator and as gifts for others.

The Peipsi County Museum introduces the life of the Old Believers, the kitchen and church culture, and the life and work of the world-famous icon painter Pimen Sofronov from the local village of Tiheda. Samovars, "podrushniks", icons, "lestovkas" are worth seeing. You can buy souvenirs and handicrafts related to the culture and nature of Peipsi, as well as sweets, tea mixtures and other local products. A guided tour introducing the Old Believers and the Ivan Chai tea ceremony can be booked in advance. With a museum ticket, you can also visit the Peipsi Järve Elu room with a permanent exhibition located next door.

At the Obinitsa museum, one can explore the unique culture and history of Setomaa, participate in various workshops and events. Most of the museum collection items are sourced from surrounding villages. Special value is placed on the fine handicrafts of Seto women. The museum is located in the heart of Setomaa and offers an overview of the area's life, traditions, and folk costumes. The permanent exhibition displays authentic farm tools, clothing sets, and photos that reveal different aspects of Seto culture. The museum's most popular program is called "Rõivile!". Dressing up means putting Seto clothes on a woman and doing her hair. During the dressing process, the historical context of the items is introduced. It is possible to order a handicraft workshop at the museum, where traditional Seto belts and ribbons are made. Seasonally, other activities are offered, such as embroidery and wool work introductions and guided village tours.

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.

Located at the Estonian Agricultural Museum in Ülenurme, the MUHK, or the Rural Curiosity Center, is a lively place where visitors of all ages can discover, research, and play. This is where rural life comes to play through engaging education. Located on two floors, the center introduces modern agriculture through practical activities. The “Barn Symphony” exhibition explores topics related to animal welfare, feeding, and husbandry. You can also meet the museum's farm animals and relax in a soothing rabbit village. The exhibition “Manure and Milk” adds to the excitement, where you can also see a rare manure spreader. For the more adventurous, the slightly gut-wrenching veterinary room takes a look at the history of animal treatment. The museum’s treasury, or open storage, also awaits visitors, where fascinating objects from the museum’s collections are on display. The Estonian Rural Museum ticket gives you access to all museums in the complex, including the Rural Curiosity Center.

The National Piano Museum is located in a special building - the historic Holdre Manor.The Art Nouveau-style main building, with its Heimat-style influences, was erected around 1910 during the time of Woldemar von Ditmar. Previously, the manor centre had not been built in a representative style. The architect of the building was Otto Wildau, who also designed the nearby Taagepera and Karksi manor buildings. The aim of the National Piano Museum is to collect as complete a collection of Estonian pianos as possible.By prior arrangement, we offer a musical guided tour with Alo Põldmäe, a composer, singer and music educator who is in charge of the Piano Museum.

Supilinn is Tartu's most bohemian district, where 18th-century wooden houses, courtyards awash in urban greenery, and the banks of the Emajõgi River create an unparalleled atmosphere. It combines the best of city living with a natural environment, where you can feel the community spirit and local creativity. Go for a walk in Supilinn on the beautiful promenade along the Emajõgi River, where century-old trees and a tranquil frog pond give the city a breath of fresh air. Street art, colorful courtyards, and wooden houses tell Supilinn's story, which is best experienced during the spring Supilinn Days, when courtyards and gardens open to guests and the entire district turns into a large festival. The best way to explore Supilin is on foot or by bike, so you can notice hidden corners, shutter patterns, and backyard gardens. A walk with a local guide can reveal hidden layers of the district and highlight its bohemian spirit. More information about guided tours can be found on the Tartu Guides page.