Teaduskeskus AHHAA

About the museum

The AHHAA Science Centre was founded in Tartu in 1997 and is on Sadama street, near the Tartu bus station. The centre is interactive: visitors may try the exhibits themselves, and these may produce unexpected effects such as movement, vibration, sound, light, darkness or water sprays.

The technology hall has hands-on exhibits, for example bicycle riding high above the hall, a swaying tunnel and an astronaut training device. The living hall is home to ants, chicks and exotic fish, and has a large seawater aquarium. The foyer has free exhibits, such as a mirror maze, puzzles and distorting mirrors. On the second floor of the technology hall are the medical collections of the University of Tartu; the oldest item dates from 1803.

The centre has a planetarium for up to 20 visitors, where live shows and full-dome films are presented. The programme also includes science theatres, workshops and mini tours. The Newton café is on the second floor.

Highlights

• Technology hall with hands-on exhibits
• Living hall with a seawater aquarium
• Planetarium (shows and full-dome films)
• Science theatres and workshops
• Baby area for 0–2-year-olds
• Medical collections of the University of Tartu

Permanent exhibitions

• Tehnoloogiasaal – Hands-on exhibits such as bicycle riding high above the hall, a swaying tunnel and an astronaut training device. On the second floor, the medical collections of the University of Tartu.
• Elusaal – Live animals, including ants, chicks and exotic fish, in a large seawater aquarium.

Founded

1997

Admission & discounts

Individual visits do not need to be booked in advance. Discounts must be proven; otherwise the price difference must be paid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The centre is wheelchair accessible, but several exhibits may not be usable from a wheelchair. A ramp is at the main entrance; two lifts connect the whole centre, including the underground car park and the planetarium. Accessible toilets are in the foyer, in the living hall on the water-world side, and on the second floor by the lecture hall. The underground car park has marked disabled parking. The centre can be noisy; noise-reducing headphones can be borrowed from the ticket desk.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The baby area lets 0–2-year-olds experiment with a parent, and there is a breastfeeding room nearby. Planetarium shows suit children from 5 years old, with family shows for younger children too. The café has a children’s corner.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in the immediate vicinity of Tartu bus station.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café Newton is on the second floor, with a children’s menu and a children’s corner; it can be reached without a centre ticket. Science shop. The cloakroom is unattended; lockable lockers are in the foyer.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Events, team days, Christmas parties and rental of the whole building. Rooms and options are on the website.

Plan your visit