Sightseeing in Stuttgart

Stuttgart’s history dates back to 950, when a horse-breeding farm was here. The city has been the principle residence of the Württemberg dukes (and kings after 1806) since the early 14th century. Most of the old city was destroyed during World War II, but parts, especially around the magnificent Schlossplatz, have been reconstructed. The center is best explored on foot. Large areas are for pedestrians only and the huge Schlossgarden often offers a pleasant alternative to leaving the city.

Stuttgart's Center

The Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (main station) was designed in the mid-1920s and its stark, functional lines are typical of the artisitic trend called Neue Sachlichkeit or “New Objectivity.” Its 58-m (190-foot) tower is topped by a large Mercedes star. A huge urban development project is underway to move the train tracks north of the station underground and develop a new suburb in the regained 250 acres.

Königstraße leads from the station and is the most important shopping street in Stuttgart. It also claims to be the longest pedestrian-only street in Germany.

Central Stuttgart was virtually destroyed during World War II. However, three blocks down the street is the lovely Schlossplatz (Palace Square), showing some of the former glory of the town. Across the square is the Neues Schloss (New Palace), completed in 1807. It was severely damaged during the war but rebuilt and currently houses government offices. The Jubiläumssäule (Jubilee Column) in the center of the square was erected in 1841 to commemorate the 25th jubilee of King Wilhelm’s reign. The Classical Königsbau (1860) on the Königstraße-side of the square, houses the Stuttgart Stock Exchange and other commercial enterprises.

At the far end of the square is the Altes Schloss (Old Palace), mostly dating from the late 15th century, although parts date back to 1320. It has a magnificently painted Renaissance courtyard. Most of the building is used as exhibition space by the Württembergisches Landesmuseum, (State Museum), Schillerplatz 6. The museum covers local history from 5 BC to the present. The eclectic collection ranges from tapestries and tableware to religious statuary and funerary objects. The crown jewels and the dukes’ treasure troves are also on display. The museum’s fine collection of musical instruments from the 16th century to the present is housed on four floors in the Fruchtkasten, Schillerplatz 1.

The area around Schillerplatz is the oldest part of Stuttgart. The two-towered Stiftkirche (Collegiate Church), Stiftstraße 12, dates back to the 12th century, but was changed to the Late Gothic style in the 15th century. The choir has a collection of 11 statues of the ducal family sculpted by Simon Schlör (1576-1608). The church has been Protestant since 1534 and is the most important Protestant church in Baden-Württemberg. It was severely damaged duringWorldWar II but rebuilt in the mid-1950s and recently again renovated. The church has a magnificent organ and religious music concerts are held every Friday.

On the opposite side of the Neues Schloss, the Schlossgarten (Palace Garden) stretches all the way to the Neckar River. It has several notable buildings, including the glass cube that houses the Baden-Württemberg Parliament, and the Neo-Classical Staatstheater.

Across the road is the Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg (History Museum), Konrad-Adenaur-Straße 16. It concentrates on the history of the region since 1815. The museum is new and has a large multimedia selection.

Nearby, is the impressive Staatsgallerie Stuttgart (National Gallery), Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 30. One of Germany’s most visited and best galleries, it is housed in the Classical Alte Staatsgallerie, built in 1843 and combined with a Post Modern new gallery in 1984. There is a large medieval collection, with Bathseba’s Bath by Hans Memling (1485) considered the most valuable piece. The French collection illustrates the development from Realism to Post- Impressionism. The new building houses the excellent modern art collection as well as contemporary works. Particularly noteworthy are the 12 works by Picasso illustrating all his major creative periods. The special exhibitions are usually worth the surcharge.

Still within easy walking distance from the center, but in the opposite direction behind the university, is the Linden-Museum, Hegelplatz 1. It is an ethnological museum with a large collection and displays from all continents.