Aparaaditehas

Aparaaditehas (The Widget Factory) is an old factory complex at the corner of Riia and Kastani streets in Tartu, Estonia. During the Soviet era, the factory was used for manufacturing refrigeration equipment and secret submarine parts, and, in order to mislead the public, also umbrellas and zippers that didn't work. At its heyday in the mid-1970s, the factory employed almost 1,500 people. It had its own health centre with a sauna and a pool, a canteen, and enough administrative premises to occupy several buildings.

In 2006, the complex was bought by ABC Kinnisvarateenuste OÜ, which remains its current owner. Since 2014, the 14,000m² centre has been developed into a factory for culture, bringing together creative entrepreneurs, artist and designer studios, commerce and entertainment. It hosts three restaurants and two cafeterias, and is home to the Müürilille flea market and the even more historic Printing Museum, alongside rooms for numerous small and exciting shops and galleries. Today, the Widget Factory and its surrounding city block have become one of the most rapidly developing areas in Tartu.

Aparaaditehas is unique for connecting and mixing together different fields of activity, from artist studios and galleries to restaurants, shopping and start-up hubs.

At TEH, Aparaaditehas is part of Artistic Residencies and the TEH Nordic Hub.