Monument to Peeter Põld

A monument to Peeter Põld stands in the center of Tartu, in front of the Ministry of Education and Science building. The figure is depicted as an enlightener, holding a book with a hole prepared in his chest-right where his heart is. The installation of Põld’s monument was timed to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Estonia.

Who was Peeter Põld?

Peeter Siegfried Nikolaus Põld was a prominent state figure during the first Estonian Republic. Born in 1878, he entered history as Estonia’s first Minister of Education. Põld died in 1930, having contributed significantly to the state and the Estonian nation.

Põld’s list of services to his homeland is quite impressive. He is considered the founder of Estonian-language gymnasium education. He also served as the vice-chancellor of the University of Tartu and supervised lecturers who gave lectures in Estonian. Additionally, Põld led the Tartu city assembly.

The Monument’s Creators

The monument was created by sculptor Ekke Väli and architect Ain Repponen. The initiative to erect the monument was taken by the Ministry of Education and Science, the University of Tartu, and the Tartu City Assembly. The statue was unveiled on December 1, 2008. Põld’s monument stands in a small, well-maintained square with flower beds in the center and pedestrian paths along the edges.

Map Location

Other Points of Interest

• Near the University Church of Tartu stands a monument to Gustav II Adolf, the King of Sweden.
• Few know that the monument to Kreutzwald in Tartu struggled to find its place.
• Medical students in Tartu enjoy relaxing in the park next to the Pirogov monument.