TSU is considered not only as a leading center of education and science but also as a renowned center of culture in Russia and Siberia. The first Rector physician N.A.Gesehous founded a City Amateur Symphony Orchestra and was the head of the Tomsk branch of the Russian Musical Society. Another TSU Rector I.A.Basanov and his wife, an artist, L.P.Basanova set up an Amateur Artistic Society in Tomsk. TSU has always been famous for its amateur musical, choral and drama societies.

Today TSU owns one of the best theatre and concert complex in the city that hosts various performances and is the home for TSU arts groups.

• TSU Assembly Hall - famous for its perfect acoustics - hosts concerts of classical music. The Concert Hall at TSU Center of Culture is the stage for different performances of TSU Theatrical Societies, student performances and guest performances.
• Academic Choir (founded in 1959) is a musical insignia of TSU and Tomsk and is winner of various National and International musical contests.
• Violin Ensemble (founded in 1979) is also winner of National and International musical contests. The Ensemble gave rise to an instrumental trio and an instrumental duet.
• Chamber Symphony Orchestra (founded in 2002) is, despite its young age, mature in talent and skills.
• Drama and Comedy Theatre "In University Grove" was founded in 1931, and the Arts and Literature Theatre was founded in 1973.
• Big band (Jazz-band) "TSU-62" was established in 1962.
• Student Pop Theatre of Smile and Laughter was set up in 1967
• Stunning success of Tomsk KVN (CCQW) team "Lieutenant Schmidt's Children" encouraged TSU students to set up their own KVN teams. Currently, a new university team "MaximuM" is enjoying great popularity and is participating actively in National KVN Contests. (KVN (CCQW) is short for Club of Cheeful and Quick-Witted)