How did Stuttgart become what it is today? Step inside the Stadtmuseum Stuttgart and discover the answers. The Stadtmuseum Stuttgart opened its doors in April 2018. It resides in the Wilhelmspalais. This palace was once home to Wilhelm II, the last King of Württemberg.
From 1965 to 2011, the Stadtbücherei Stuttgart occupied the Wilhelmspalais. The city library then moved to Mailänder Platz. This move allowed for a new purpose for the Wilhelmspalais. The building would become a museum dedicated to Stuttgart’s history.
In 2009, a competition decided the design of the new Stadtmuseum Stuttgart. The winning design came from Lederer Ragnarsdóttir Oei. They collaborated with Jangled Nerves from Stuttgart. The jury unanimously approved the design in February 2010. After the city library’s relocation in October 2011, the Wilhelmspalais underwent renovations. These renovations transformed it into the Stadtmuseum Stuttgart. The Stadtmuseum Stuttgart was completed and opened on April 14, 2018. The conversion and setup cost 38.3 million euros. This included funding from the state. Anja Dauschek led the planning team.
The Stadtmuseum Stuttgart’s exhibits are divided into four main sections. The foyer features a café, event hall, and special exhibition space. The permanent exhibit, “Stuttgart City Stories,” is on the first floor. The second floor holds a special exhibition area. Here, the focus is on city history and architecture. The “Stadtlabor” in the garden level is a children’s area with a workshop. It also includes an outdoor area.
The Stadtmuseum Stuttgart offers many educational programs. These programs cater to different groups. There are tours for adults, families, and school classes. Workshops delve into Stuttgart’s history and museum exhibits. Creative formats like the “Children’s Construction Site” are available for kids. Birthday parties can also be arranged.
The Stadtmuseum Stuttgart also focuses on accessibility. They provide inclusive programs. Participatory formats like the “StadtLabor” encourage visitor involvement. Events like philosophical discussions, film screenings, and themed action days enhance the educational offerings.
Besides the main building, the Stadtmuseum Stuttgart includes other museums in Stuttgart. These are the Hegel House, the Stadtmuseum Bad Cannstatt, the Städtisches Lapidarium, the Heimatmuseum Möhringen, and the Heimatmuseum Plieningen.
The Stadtmuseum Stuttgart has hosted various special exhibitions. “Sound of Stuttgart” ran from April to November 2018. “Manfred Rommel” was on display from December 2018 to May 2019. “TROY – 30 Years Die Fantastischen Vier” was shown from July 2019 to March 2020.
Other exhibitions include “WÄNDE I WALLS Graffiti im Kessel” and “Stuttgart trotz(t) Corona.” The museum also presented “König Wilhelm II. von Württemberg.” “Ludwig Windstosser. Industriefotografie und Stadtporträt” was another highlight. These exhibitions explore different facets of Stuttgart’s history and culture.
The Stadtmuseum Stuttgart also features smaller salon exhibitions. “Skateboarding Stuttgart” and “Oh Yeah! – Popmusik in Deutschland” have been displayed. These exhibitions offer a closer look at specific themes.
The Stadtmuseum Stuttgart lets you dive into Stuttgart’s identity. It explores the city’s past, present, and future. Through its diverse exhibits and programs, it captures the essence of Stuttgart as a city. It shows what makes it a unique and vibrant place.