Bronze Bas-Relief of Ostwald

A bronze bas-relief of Ostwald has been installed in the window of the Tartu University Lifelong Learning building. The memorial plaque lists the scientist’s years of life, his Nobel Prize laureate status, and his tenure at the university. The building of the former university church is located near the monument.

Who is Wilhelm Friedrich Ostwald?

Wilhelm Friedrich Ostwald was a renowned scientist of Baltic German descent. In 1909, Ostwald was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Ostwald’s connection to the city of Tartu includes his studies and subsequent work at the local university. Here, he spent nearly a decade between 1972 and 1981. The future Nobel laureate began teaching in 1875.

Ostwald was considered one of the major science organizers of his time. His work was related to the study of the theory of electrolytic dissociation. He initiated the publication of the “Classics of Exact Sciences” series, which includes important works in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Map Location

Other Points of Interest

• In the park next to the Lifelong Learning Center, there’s a monument to Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, considered the founder of Tartu University.
• There is also a monument to Johan Skytte, a teacher and advisor to Gustav Adolf, in Tartu.
• Explore other attractions in Tartu. Discover what makes the city famous!