Gottlob-Auwärter-Museum

“A bus driver’s dream,” a young boy whispered, eyes wide with awe. He stood before the Gottlob-Auwärter-Museum, clutching his toy bus. The Gottlob-Auwärter-Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, chronicles the fascinating story of the Auwärter family and their renowned bus company, Neoplan. The museum, opened in 2008, stands as a testament to a legacy that began in a humble wagon workshop. Inside, visitors explore 38 exhibits showcasing the family’s journey. From their modest beginnings, the Auwärters rose to international prominence with their innovative Neoplan buses. This success story culminated in the company’s acquisition by MAN in 2001. The Gottlob-Auwärter-Museum features numerous display boards illustrated with photographs. These boards tell the story of the family and the rise of Neoplan. A bust of the company’s founder adds a personal touch to the exhibits. One display recreates an old wagon workshop and smithy, the very roots of the Auwärter family’s craft and the foundation of Neoplan. Model buses, vehicle parts, and even an old gas pump bring the past to life. Visitors can even sit in the driver’s seat of an original bus, imagining themselves at the wheel. Instead of ordinary benches, old bus seats offer a unique resting spot within the exhibition area. Outside in the courtyard, two buses from the 1950s stand as silent witnesses to Neoplan’s early years. An original sign still adorns the facade, a reminder of the time when buses were manufactured on this very site for the global market. Across from the museum entrance, another vintage bus graces a small beer garden. Nearby, an information panel provides further insights into the former Neoplan factory and the Auwärter family. The Gottlob-Auwärter-Museum offers free admission. Typically open on Saturday afternoons, it’s a haven for anyone intrigued by automotive history and the enduring legacy of family-run businesses. It’s a story of innovation, perseverance, and the dream of connecting the world, one bus at a time.