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Exhibition “Reincarnations of Downtown. Life Before Cultural Centre.”

A photo journey tells the story of the development of Tartu's city center: from fortress to cultural hub.

Story

The current Central Park of Tartu is located in a significant area that has housed city fortifications, a suburb, and the former symbol of Tartu, the marketplace. This area, which was developed into a park after the war, is now planned to become the site of the city’s new cultural center. The exhibition showcases the importance of the area throughout the years and demonstrates how the city community has found ways to move forward despite wars and other major changes.

Experience

The outdoor exhibition takes visitors on a journey through history and explains why the Central Park area has been important to the city and its residents. By showcasing the interplay of different needs (military defense vs. suburban life; trading vs. buyers’ interests; central square vs. park area vs. cultural building), the exhibition demonstrates that city life, in its constant change, seeks out freed spaces, yet the area’s development is also influenced by its construction history.

The exhibition appeals to those who care about the present and future of the urban environment, the interplay between greenery and human activity, as well as those for whom the city’s overall appearance is defined by its diverse and historical architecture. Both tourists and long-time Tartu residents will find photos or pieces of information that prompt them to think about the area’s past or reveal previously unknown aspects of the familiar city. The photo journey through time concludes with the present day, showcasing the results of the architectural competition for the city’s cultural center. In this way, the exhibition tells the story of Tartu residents, highlighting the city’s development as well as international connections and influences.

The exhibition was open from April 12 to October 13, 2024, in the Central Park of Tartu, on the square at the side of Poe Street.

Impact

An exhibition that connects the past, present, and future showcases the survival arts of Tartu through the ages and helps to interpret the changing function of urban space.