Open House Tartu

Every day, we are surrounded by hundreds of houses, each with its own fascinating story. Some of them are architectural heritage. Some you’d never think of entering. And some remain closed to the ordinary person. Now, however, nearly 20 buildings are opening their doors for one weekend to give people a better understanding of their town and to encourage them to have a more active say in matters affecting Tartu. Open House Tartu can’t change the world, but it may open the door to better understanding and engagement!

Open House is a series of events with a simple but powerful concept that introduces architecture to the wider public. Launched in London in 1992, the programme now takes place in more than 50 cities around the world. On 20 and 21 April, Open House will take place in Tartu for the very first time, with nearly 20 private houses, buildings and public spaces opening their doors.

Over the course of a weekend, historic and modern architecturally significant buildings that the average person usually doesn’t step in, open their doors. The event is open to serious art and architecture enthusiasts as well as people who do not often visit museums. Open House Tartu is the perfect introduction for them to reflect on architectural themes and to stimulate interest in the field.

The content of the tours is the result of a collaboration between the curator of the event and those closely involved with the building (architects, historians, residents, and managers). The tours are also conducted by the authors/architects of the buildings, who can thus present their work directly. The event is free of charge.

The Open House Tartu programme includes tours for visitors with different interests and of different age groups and is divided into blocks based on the location, function and history of the buildings. Tours take place in Estonian, English and Russian, and both local residents and visitors from abroad are welcome to participate.

A greater awareness of the urban space will inspire visitors and volunteers to have their say on matters that affect Tartu and create a closer bond between the architect and the resident. Both locals and tourists will have the opportunity to experience Tartu from a completely different angle.