The building on Riia Street in which the museum is situated was the last residence of Oskar Luts (1887-1953), the acclaimed author of the Estonian classic novel Kevade, which has brought joy to many generations of readers. Luts lived in Tartu for over 40 years. He also ran a bookshop for a short while on Riia Street. Many of the characters in his books were inspired by people he met while visiting the cafés in the town centre. The museum’s permanent exhibition is entitled ‘Oskar Luts: On the Fine Line between Life and Imagination’ and provides an overview of the writer’s work and of its place in Estonian culture.

The history of the building

Luts’ house, with its hip-roofed upper storey, was commissioned by the writer for his family in 1936 and designed by architect Arnold Matteus. The austerely furnished study and guest room, where in 1937 the writer’s colleagues celebrated his 50th birthday, have been preserved in the functionalist building to this day.

The museum was opened in 1964. The Oskar Luts Home Museum is the only museum in Tartu at which admission is free for regular visitors. School trips and guided tours are subject to fees.