Ministry of Education and Research

The current main building of the Ministry of Education and Research, located at Munga 18, is the former Tartu branch of the Bank of Estonia, designed by architects Arnold Matteus and Karl Burman in 1935. The building was completed in 1936 and officially opened in April 1937. It is one of the most prominent examples of German-influenced representative traditionalism in Estonia.

Upon entering the foyer, we encounter Aleksander Eller’s bronze reliefs “Industry” and “Agriculture”, followed by the richly decorated ceiling of the former bank hall, beautifully designed corridors, workspaces, and a courtroom, all in a period-appropriate style.

The building housed several banks until 2000 (including the State Bank of the USSR, Tartu Commercial Bank, Social Bank, and United Bank). Subsequently, extensive renovations were carried out with the aim of preserving both the exterior appearance and the interior architectural design, while adding stairs and attic floors as needed.

The Ministry of Education and Research has been operating in this building since 2001.

Photo: Kevin Loigu.