This year marks the centenary of Estonia’s national university. To celebrate this, the University of Tartu Art Museum hosts an exhibition that focuses on one of the symbols of the university and education in Estonia - the University of Tartu main building.
Of all the buildings in Tartu, the University’s main building is certainly one that is most frequently depicted in art. It can be seen in city views, genre paintings as well as a national symbol on other works of art. The art museum, located right in the heart of the main building, is the most appropriate site to demonstrate how this building has been depicted in various times.
The exhibition will showcase paintings, etchings and drawings dating from the early 19th century to modern times, thereby providing a unique overview of Baltic German and Estonian art with a focus on a single building. Not a single time period has been left out when making the selection, and works in various styles have been placed side by side. This way, the story of the University’s main building also reflects Estonia’s culture and history.
Exhibition team
Curators: Kristiina Tiideberg and Ingrid Sahk
Designer: Peeter Laurits
Language editor: Sirje Toomla
Translation into English: Mari-Liis Belials and Kristin Lillemäe
Exhibition supervisor: Tanel Nõmmik
The works of art on display originate from the Estonian History Museum, Art Museum of Estonia, Estonian National Museum, the National Archive, Tartu Art Museum, Tartu City Museum, University of Tartu Museum, University of Tartu Library, and private collections.