Discover the story of the university and the city of Tartu

The University of Tartu Museum preserves the university’s academic heritage and tells the story of the university, the city of Tartu, and the history of science and art to visitors of all ages. Museums are located in three very special places in the centre of Tartu: the reconstructed former cathedral and later university library on Toome Hill, the main building of the university, and the Old Observatory.

University of Tartu Museum | Wed–Sun 11–17

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University of Tartu Art Museum | Wed–Sun 11–17

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Tartu Old Observatory | Sat–Sun 11–17

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News

Projektijuht Ilona Piirimägi koos EHL-i kogumikega
New Publication Highlights Good Practices in Museum Accessibility in Estonia and Latvia
A collection of good practices in accessibility, drawing on the experiences of museums in Estonia and Latvia, has been published as an outcome of the project Heritage for All: Museum Education in Times of Crisis, jointly carried out by the University of Tartu Museum and the Turaida Museum Reserve.
29.10.2026 cooperationinternationalresearch
University of Tartu awarded the Skytte medal to President Alar Karis
On 30 October, the University of Tartu senate decided to award the Johan Skytte medal to President Alar Karis. The highest award for university members, the University of Tartu Grand Medal, is given to Ruth Oltjer, Liina Lindström and Maris Laan. Also, the recipients of the University of Tartu Star of Appreciation, Medal, Badge of Distinction and the decoration “100 Semesters at the University of Tartu” have been selected.
30.10.2026 university
International meeting of heritage experts took place at University of Tartu Museum
On 8 and 9 October, the University of Tartu Museum hosted members of the European Heritage Label (EHL) network. The meeting brought heritage experts from Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to Tartu. Discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation, launching joint projects, and increasing the visibility of Europe’s cultural heritage.
15.10.2026 cooperationinternational
The University of Tartu Art Museum invites visitors to follow in Odysseus’ footsteps
The University of Tartu Art Museum has opened a new trail inspired by Homer’s epic The Odyssey for children, young people, and everyone interested in classical mythology. The trail takes visitors on the hero Odysseus’ perilous journey home to the island of Ithaca after the Trojan War.
14.10.2026 studentsstudies
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Suggestions for families with children

There is a lot for curious children to discover in all three buildings of the university’s museum: the University of Tartu Museum in the cathedral, the Old Observatory and the University of Tartu Art Museum in the main building.

Free Mind Lab

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Invisible Tartu. 800 years since the birth of the City

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The Cathedral’s Chamber of Mysteries

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Mummy Chamber in the art museum

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Selection of the exhibitions most highly rated by our guests

Tartu Ülikooli muuseumi püsinäitus "Minu elu ülikool"
Exhibition “The University of Our Lives”
Kas on kerge olla vana?
Exhibition "Is It Easy to Be Old?"
Tartu Ülikooli muuseumi toomkiriku saladuste kamber
Exhibition "The Cathedral’s Chamber of Mysteries"
exhibition visuals
The exhibition “The Face of a Decade: Portrait Paintings from the Museum Collection 1965–1975”
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Tartu Ülikooli muuseum_logod
Author: Erakogu