Exhibits in the Pavilions

The Stars of the European Capital of Culture 

The Tartu 2024 pavilion hosts the exhibition “The Stars of the European Capital of Culture”, featuring portraits of individuals who have, in one way or another, been involved in the realization of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 in Southern Estonia. This exhibition continues the springtime display “Portraits of Tartu Residents from Recycled Materials”, held on Küüni Street. 

The works are created by current and former students of Tartu Raatuse School, under the guidance of teachers Kadri Kosk and Mare Kiisk. 

A Needle in a Haystack 

Everyone knows that finding a needle in a haystack is an impossible task. But what if a robot does it? Positioned at the centre of a haystack, the robot’s sole mission is to locate a needle hidden in the hay. It will signal its triumph by ringing a sheep’s bell if it succeeds. 

Artist duo Varvara & Mar’s (Varvara Guljajeva and Mar Canet Sola) installation “A Needle in a Haystack” provocatively explores technology’s limits and challenges the notion of artificial intelligence as a mysterious, all-powerful ‘black box’. The artwork prompts reflection on the relationship between humanity and the environment, adding a nuanced layer of commentary to the interaction between technological prowess and natural elements. It also raises critical questions about our reliance on technology: Is this the right path forward? 

The installation participated in the open-air exhibition “Wild Bits,” part of the main programme of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024, which took place this summer on the grounds of the technological art farm Maajaam in Otepää municipality.   

The Orion Exhibit 

In the Tartu Observatory pavilion, you can look through the eye of the Horsehead to see whether a distaff and rake or perhaps a hunter appears in the distance. What we see always depends on our perspective! 

Architecture School 

This year, too, the Architecture School invites you to its cozy winter climbing house, where you’ll almost always find cheerful children climbing and exploring. 

Stage Pavilion and Starry Sky Map 

The Stage Pavilion will host lively concerts and festive workshops by the Tartu Youth Work Centre, where you can craft Christmas decorations, teddy bears, elves, Christmas coins, and letters to Santa. 

Throughout the Christmas city period, visitors can explore the starry sky map created by the Tartu Observatory in the Stage Pavilion. The map features the most famous constellations, allowing you to get a closer look at them on site. By pressing a button, you can also hear legends about the constellations. 

In addition, the pavilions offer exciting discoveries from the Pallas University of Applied Sciences and SPARKUP Tartu Science Park.