For Tartu Residents, Science Center Displaces All Others as Event of the Year
In a year with much to commend it, the Ahhaa Science Center was voted the event of the year in a competition organized by Tartu City Government and the newspaper Postimees.
Tartu residents gave the nod to the hands-on discovery center located in a purpose-built building by the river and boasting a spherical planetarium and room-size exhibits.
Similar to Helsinki's Heureka (and also translating as "eureka"), the site has been a popular attraction internationally, including for Latvians, and the gift shop is regarded as one of the country's best toy stores.
The winner received as an award a sand-based artwork designed by glass artist Merle Bukovec, called "Ajatusenäitaja VI" (Achronometer).
Making the short-list of Tartu residents' favorites were Sten Kalder's gold in the world championships in OSY 400 powerboat racing, the new red city buses, the Europeade folk art festival, the arrival of Flybe on the local air travel market, and the opening of an air route to Helsinki.
Also mentioned were the new academic building of the Tartu Health Care College, a flea market by the river, the Aviation Academy's new building, Tamme stadium stands, Grit Sadeiko's European gold in the under-23 heptathlon, and the renovation of the
Old Observatory.
Over 5,000 votes were cast in the 14th instalment of the competition.
Kristopher Rikken