Seven thousand five hundred square meters of history. That’s the footprint of the Stadtarchiv Stuttgart. Can you imagine? This impressive building wasn’t always a repository of Stuttgart’s past.
The Stadtarchiv Stuttgart stands proudly in Bad Cannstatt. It’s a vital part of the city’s identity. This building holds countless stories. It houses the city’s memory. From the 16th century to the present day documents are here. The Stadtarchiv Stuttgart is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the city’s vibrant history.
Originally built in 1921 for a wholesale association of colonial goods merchants this building had a different purpose. The Stadtarchiv Stuttgart only moved in much later. The city of Stuttgart acquired it in 2002. The building is now a protected landmark. Its architectural style reflects the Stuttgart School. Notice the three-aisled steel frame construction. The tall windows and the combination of brick and exposed concrete are remarkable. Even the old loading ramp with its gate and tracks remains. It’s now part of the archives’ reading and lecture halls.
The Stadtarchiv Stuttgart wasn’t always so centralized. Before 2011 it was scattered across several locations. The move to this single location was a significant achievement. This consolidation was a solution to a long-standing space problem. In fact the city established its own official city archive surprisingly late. Compared to other German cities Stuttgart was a latecomer in 1928. The move to this new location was significant. It allowed for the preservation and organization of the city’s vast archive collections. Sadly some archives were lost in World War II. Many documents perished during the war. Both the ones stored at Löwenstein Castle and those that remained in the city were destroyed.
Today the Stadtarchiv Stuttgart provides many services. There’s a free library with about 2000 books. Historical newspapers are available on microfilm. The archives also include countless priceless historical records. These include family and club archives and extensive documentation. Think of around 20000 paintings and graphics plus 200000 photos and films. Ten kilometers of shelving holds these treasures. The Stadtarchiv Stuttgart also works with the city surveying office. They provide a digital city lexicon. This online resource is a powerful tool for exploring Stuttgart’s rich history. It shows historical maps and images from their collections.
The Stadtarchiv Stuttgart is more than just a place to store documents. It’s a dynamic center for research education and public engagement. So much more than just a storage place it actively shapes how people understand the past. It’s a vital resource for anyone who wants to delve into the heart of Stuttgart. So step inside and discover the city’s secrets.