The museum was founded on December 6, 1976. Initially it was situated on the basement floor of the university main building. The first exhibition was "Tartu University 1632-1918". During the same year the museum moved to its present quarters in the former university library on Toome Hill, the building of the 13th century cathedral.
The cathedral was built during several periods of construction and reconstruction, reaching its final shape in the 16th century. During the wars of the second half of the 16th century the building was neglected and started to decay. A fire in 1624 quickened the process. The cathedral was partly restored in 1804-1807 after the reopening of the university in 1802, according to the plans of the first university architect Professor Johann Wilhelm Krause to house the university library. In 1927-1928 the library was extended and in 1962-1964 the wooden constructions of the first floor were replaced by concrete inserted ceiling. New restoration work was started in 1985 and gave the building its present-day look.
There are more than 58, 000 items in the museum`s collections. Considering the aspect of the history of science, the museum values most highly its collection of apparatuses, instruments, devices and various collections used in the university for scientific research since its foundation. The oldest exhibit is a 13th century celestial globe. As Tartu University had close connections with Europe, several outstanding equipment producing firms are reresented in the museum`s collection: Zeiss, Leitz, Schick (microscopes); Sartorius (scales); Askana (measuring devices); Dolland (optic devices); Kohl (laboratory equipment); Meissner (areometers); Geissler (devices for measuring temperature); Schmidt & Haensch (spectroscopes), etc. The museum also has an archive, a photo collection and art collection.
* Döbereiner's lighter
to demonstrate catalytic qualities of platinum. Jena. 1870. University
Chemistry Laboratory.
The permanent exhibition provides a survey of the university history in 1632-1710 and in 1802-1995, demonstrating apparatuses and laboratory equipment used during three centuries, presenting scientists and scientific achievements, student organisations and student life. The museum also annually organises about fiveteen specified temporary exhibitions.
The museum has two conference halls, in one of them concerts are organised.
* Gregorian telescope Adams. London. Beginning of the 19th century. Purchased for Tartu University in 1805.
Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11-17, for groups on demand also Monday & Tuesday 11 - 16
Information: phone +372-7-375 677; fax +372-7-375 679
Address: Museum of Tartu University History. Lossi 25, 51003 Tartu, Estonia.
Last modified: June 3, 2008. ajaloomuuseum@ut.ee
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