Long Night of the Museums "Lange Nacht der Museen"
Every March, Stuttgart puts on its annual “Long Night of the Museums”. The night begins at 8pm and runs until 2am. During that time, with one “Long Night of the Museums” ticket, you can ride the shuttle buses and trains (often an Old-Timer is also on the tracks) and gain entrance to all participating museums. All of the big museums are usually open, along with smaller, more obscure, museums. The night is also filled with performances and special events. For example, in 2006, Stuttgart opened the bunker under Marketplatz to visitors. The bunker was built during WWII.
2007, March 17
Takes place all over Stuttgart.
Offical Website (German Only)
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Kunstmuseum
Staatsgalerie (State Museum)
Porsche-Museum
Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Mercedes-Benz Museum
The new museum was opened right before the World Cup in May 2006 and it still has that new car smell. The old museum was smaller and free to everyone, but now you have to pay 8 Euros to enter. Everyone gets their own audio tour guide, a small PDA like device and head phones to get information during the tour. You get to take home the headphones and neck band.
All signage is in German and English.
The tour starts with the first automobiles and continues throughout history. Included with the car history are brief snapshots of history which remind you of what was going on in the world at the time and why the cars changed as they did (or didn't).
There are also side galleries with cars grouped by theme. Cars owned by famous people, rescue cars, trucks, etc.
Overall the new museum is top-notch and stunning! It is worth 8 Euro.
A few things of interest…. How the Mercedes cars got the name Mercedes (it wasn't Daimler's daughter) and the why Mercedes racing cars are always silver.
Click here for the offical website (English, German)
Bus: #51 Stop: Mercedes-Benz Welt
Stuttgart Kunstmuseum
Just opened in 2005 it is best described as a giant cube! The permanent collection of this art museum is highlighted by Germany's own Otto Dix, a WWI Veteran, who painted many anti-war works. Many of his works show cripples and post-war suffering.
On the top floor is an excellent restaurant. You do not have to tour the museum. Just walk in and take the elevator on your right. It is expensive, but the food is magnificent and the view is incredible! If you are going to go out on the town I would recommend this restaurant.
Click here for the offical website (English)
U-Bahn Station Schlossplatz
Stuttgart Staatsgalerie (State Museum)
This museum is huge! It was built by King Wilhelm between 1838 and 1843. In 1984 a modern addition was built. The older part is home to works from the 14th to the 19th century as well as the graphic collection. The newer part is dedicated to the art of the 20th century.
The price is reasonable and if you go on a Wednesday, expect to enter for free! Also, like many museums in Germany, it is closed on Monday.
Click here for the offical website (German)
U-Bahn Station Staatsgalerie
Porsche-Museum
You will have to visit the Porsche-Museum if you are in Stuttgart to pick up a new Porsche. Otherwise, even though it is free, there really isn't much to see, just about 10 cars. They are building a new museum; I would wait until it is finished.
Click here for the offical website (English)
Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Gardens
This is the zoo and botanical gardens. It was built by King Wilhelm between 1842-1853. The zoo and gardens houses a great mixture of plants and animals. Though it is expensive (10.80 Euros for an adult) there is enough to see to spend a day. Check out the brand new crocodile exhibit while you are there!
If you would like to get a glimpse without putting down the cash, take a walk in the Schlossgarten. The path that runs along the very north-east side of the park gives you a good view of the polar bears, zebras and camels.
Offical Website (English, German and French)
U-Bahn Station: Wilhelma
