10 Things to Do in Tartu That You Shouldn't Miss

Science Centre AHHAA is a science theme park for families. We are is the biggest science centre in Estonia and the Baltic states, located in Tartu. The main purpose of AHHAA is promoting science, technology and the scientific approach to solve common disadvantages. AHHAA is open 363 days a year, which means you're always welcome to visit us!

Located in an old wooden building in the heart of Tartu’s Old Town, the Toy Museum transports its adult visitors back to their most joyous childhood days and offers children plenty to see and do. The permanent exhibit displays toys that children in Estonia have played with throughout the ages. The display also includes artist-made dolls, souvenir dolls from around the globe and traditional Finno-Ugric toys. The museum has play and workshop rooms, and the exhibit rooms also offer plenty to keep one busy. Alternating exhibits and children’s activities are organized at the museum. In Theatre House there is a theatre stage, Children’s Studio, and theatre puppets museum. Theatre House is a unique theatre which gets its inspiration from the Toy Museum, childhood, games and memories.

Come and visit one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in the world (founded in 1803). The Botanical Gardens were designed under the supervision of world-famous botanists, Prof Ledebour and Prof Bunge.The Botanical Gardens currently belong to the University of Tartu and they are used as a study base for students. The Botanical Gardens introduce new decorative plans and different methods of landscaping.Interesting facts:- there are 6500 species of plants from all climatic belts of the world in the Botanical Gardens, which makes it the most species-rich area in Estonia;- the palm house of the Botanical Gardens is the biggest in the Baltic States and also the richest in species.

The Print & Paper Museum displays historic letterpress printing presses and typefaces, incorporates a paper art studio and a gallery where artists from around the world display their works. Most of the machines on display are in working order and sometimes you will see someone working on them. Every visit will include a guided tour, but the museum is best enjoyed by participating in a workshop. These can be arranged on the spot for an additional fee. Workshops range from printing a simple postcard to designing 3-dimensional paper objects. There is plenty to discover here for children, families and specialists alike. The museum is located in an industrial neighborhood, in the inner courtyard of the "Samelin" footwear company. Several old factory buildings nearby have been turned into creative hubs and you will be able to discover excellent dining and shopping nearby. Just ask the museum staff for pointers.

The Kissing Students' sculpture and Fountain is one of the most recognised symbols of Tartu. A Fountain has stood in the same place since 1948, when newlyweds and their guests would visit it for luck, and people would also take a dip in it. The sculpture was created by Mati Karmin and completed in 1998. Since 2006 the Fountain has been surrounded by tiles bearing the names of Tartu's sister cities: Bærum, Deventer, Ferrara, Fredriksberg, Hafnarfjorður, Hameenlinna, Kaunas, Luneburg, Pihkva, Riia, Salisbury, Tampere, Turu, Uppsala, Veszprem and Zutphen. They are situated in the direction that the cities lie from Tartu, marking the distances.

Ideas Rule the World - 400 Years of University History The University of Tartu Museum gives an overview of the history of science and university education from the 17th century to the present day - come and experience the rich legacy of the University and explore its tales of science, art, astronomy, medicine and student life! The Museum is situated in the centre of Tartu on Toome Hill, the historic heart of both Tartu and the University campus. The permanent exhibition of the Museum gives an overview of the history of the University of Tartu and science. Each year a new annual exhibition is opened to visitors. The Museum's White Hall is one of the most prestigious venues in Tartu and invites you to visit its display on the history of the University of Tartu. Morgenstern Hall introduces the history of student organisations and the Museum building. The Treasury is home to the truly rare gems of the University, which have rarely, if ever, been on display. The Crazy Scientist's Office invites both young and old researchers to take part in its interactive explorations, experiments and construction workshops. The towers of Tartu Cathedral and their viewing platforms are open to visitors from spring to autumn. On the ground floor of the museum you can find the Cathedral Shop that offers different products on the tales of Toome Hill as well as the historical and contemporary scientific achievements of the University of Tartu, souvenirs, jewellery, both books and films on the history of the university as well as objects inked to the deeds of famous professors and much more. The University of Tartu Museum other branches are the University of Tartu Art Museum, the Old Observatory and the Old Anatomical Theatre (the Old Anatomical Theatre is currently closed due to renovation).