Estonian Agricultural Museum becomes MUHK

The Estonian Agricultural Museum in Ülenurme, Tartu County, has been renamed the Rural Life Curiosity Centre, or MUHK, ERR reported Friday. The new name reflects the museum’s expanding focus on the present and future of rural life alongside the history of Estonian agriculture.

The museum will continue to preserve and present Estonia’s rural and agricultural heritage, including its collections, historic objects, machinery, stories and skills. However, it will increasingly connect the past with current issues and future opportunities.

Kadri Valner, head of the Estonian Rural Museums Foundation, said the museum was no longer focused only on interpreting the past. Its new approach also addresses everyday rural issues, food security and the future food supply.

The name change is one of the most visible milestones in a broader transformation that will gradually affect the centre’s activities.

MUHK will open a new permanent exhibition on Friday covering more than 600 square metres. Titled “Why do I need soil? From seed to harvest, from harrow to robot,” the exhibition combines the past, present and future, tracing the journey from soil and agriculture to satellites, robots, artificial intelligence and the food supply of the future.

The name and structure of the Estonian Rural Museums Foundation will remain unchanged. It will continue to operate three locations: MUHK in Ülenurme, the C. R. Jakobson Farm Museum in Kurgja and the Tori Horse Breeding Farm in Tori.