Exhibition "Invisible city. 800 years of the city of Tartu"

This year, 800 years have passed since the beginning of the city of Tartu – Toomemägi was at the centre of events back then.

University of Tartu Museum exhibition ‘Invisible city. 800 years of the city of Tartu’ takes us back to medieval Tartu. The exhibition focuses on the historical events that marked the birth of the city, as well as the city’s appearance and its inhabitants during the first hundred years. For example, the visitors will find answers to the questions of what took place in 1224, how much of the medieval cityscape has been preserved to this day, how the Tartu residents dressed and what they ate in the 13th century and what their daily life was like.

„The visitors can thus learn how much the Tartu residents’ looks and activities have changed over 800 years."

Marge Konsa

Landscape and cityscape models

Landscape and cityscape models based on the latest research have a prominent position in the exhibition. For the first time, we can see what Tartu's natural landscape looked like 10,000 years ago and understand why the city was established in this particular area. The ancient stronghold and settlement of Tartu 1000 years ago and the cityscape at the beginning of the 14th century are exhibited virtually.

The oldest preserved city model of Tartu dates from 1686 and is now located in the Swedish Army Museum. An exact copy of the model has been created for the exhibition, making it possible to see and study it for the first time in Estonia. Archaeological finds from Tartu and Tartu County are displayed at the exhibition as well.

Exhibition "Invisible city. 800 years of the city of Tartu" paints a picture of early medieval Tartu, making invisible layers of history seen again.

Getting there

The exhibition is on the fifth floor of the museum, accessible by elevator.
There is a high threshold at the door of the hall, and staff can provide a wooden ramp to help cross it.
Read about the accessibility of the entire building here.

Curators: Marge Konsa, Arvi Haak , Mariann Raisma, Tiiu Kreegipuu

Project Manager: Kadri Asmer

Designer: Jaak Kilmi, Katrin Sipelgas

Consultants: Aivar Kriiska, Mihkel Mäesalu, Alar Rosentau, Ragnar Saage

3D-solutions: Jaagup Metsalu, Alar Rosentau, Ragnar Saage

Landscape models: Eero Ehala, Külli Tamjärv

Communication and marketing: Maria Kullamägi and Ilona Piirimägi

Exhibition "Invisible city. 800 years of the city of Tartu"

Accessibility

Team

Invisible city. 800 years of the city of Tartu