Omnia munda mundis. Marju Lepajõe 60

Näitus TÜ raamatukogu 3. korrusel 28.10.2022–22.01.2023

Abstract

Omnia munda mundis. Marju Lepajõe 60

On 28 October 2022, an exhibition to mark the 60th birth anniversary of Marju Lepajõe, professor of the University of Tartu, religion historian, classical philologist, translator, opinion leader and scholar, was opened in the UT Library. The classical Latin saying omnia munda mundis, which can, perhaps, be taken as the shortest summary of Lepajõe’s nature and existence, was chosen as the exhibition title. The opening of the exhibition was part of the Lepajõe Memorial Day celebration in Tartu. One of the reasons for her popularity was her ability to use the Estonian language with such substance and flexibility, precision and meaning as few, if any, have
succeeded before her.

Lepajõe had a special connection with the UT Library, where she had worked for 3 years in the late 1980s after graduating from the university. Lepajõe has said that particularly the library is the place where a real spiritual dynamic can be born, giving a person’s life its unique dignity. Libraries intertwine two dimensions – the eternity and the present are always side by side, and even the everyday life can be divine.

The exhibition attracted its visitors with manuscript scrolls attached to the walls, which contained texts from her public appearances. Books written, compiled, translated, edited, commented and reviewed by Lepajõe were shown in display cases and on bookshelves. There was also a selection of books that had been part of her own library, which had been donated to the UT Library just before the exhibition. Kind help of the Estonian Cultural Historical Archive made it possible to exhibit some items from Lepajões’ personal archive, including photos, manuscripts, diplomas, certificates of honor and other objects. The viewers were excited to see the pocket watch which had measured time during Lepajõe’s lectures. From the School of Theology, I got some books that had been on her office desk and the legendary ashtray, which had been a gift from the scholar and Catholic priest Vello Salo.

As the organizer of the exhibition, I was happy to see that not only was the opening event extremely crowded, but also among the daily visitors, there were many who came often and again for a thorough and focused viewing.