- Address: Ülikooli 18, 51005 Tartu, Estonia;
- Website: kunstimuuseum.ut.ee;
- Phone: +372 737 5384;
- Operating time: Mon. - Fri. from 11:00 to 17:00, Sat, Sun. - closed.
Estonia is famous for the abundance of cultural attractions located on its territory. One of the most famous of them is the Art Museum of the University of Tartu . It offers a lot of interesting exhibits for visitors to visit.
History of creation
The Art Museum of the University of Tartu is rightly considered to be the oldest in the whole country - the date of its foundation is 1803. The merit in its creation belongs to Professor Johan Carl Simon Morgenstern, who at the time taught at the university. He came up with an alternative in the creation and subsequent replenishment of a unique collection and made every effort to diversify it. From this time until today, it was constantly replenished with new exhibits, and as a result, their number exceeded 30 thousand.
The goal with which the museum was founded, its organizers considered raising the cultural level of students studying at the University of Tartu. However, subsequently the fame of unique exhibits spread far beyond the educational institution, and its visitors were not only students, but also all comers. Since the middle of the XIX century, the collection began to replenish with exhibits of ancient art, and over time they became a large part of it.
Exhibits of the museum
The grand opening of the museum to visit all comers, both the indigenous population of the city of Tartu, and the guests who came to the settlement, took place in 1862. Later, in 1868, the museum expanded and exhibition halls were opened in the left wing of the main building of the university. For viewing Estonians and tourists are offered such facilities:
- ancient coins, engravings;
- ceramic items;
- plaster casts of antique figures;
- Egyptian mummy, which is of great historical value and is one of the main exhibits of the museum.
In addition to visiting exhibitions, tourists are given the opportunity to walk through the university building and get acquainted with its premises. One of the most notable objects is the punishment cell, which is located in the attic. At one time, students were sent there for educational purposes.
The Art Museum of the University of Tartu is open for visits from Monday to Friday from 11 to 17 hours, on weekends it works by agreement.
How to get there?
The University of Tartu and the Art Museum, located in it, are in the Old Town , therefore it will not be difficult to get to the building. You can get there by bus, get off at the stop "Raeplats" or "Lai".