Landesmuseum Württemberg

The Landesmuseum Württemberg in Stuttgart's Old Castle (Altes Schloss) is the largest museum of cultural history in Baden-Württemberg. It was founded in 1862 by King William I, but its roots go back to the 16th century, when the Dukes of Württemberg collected rare and precious objects in their cabinet of curiosities. After several fires and episodes of destruction in the 20th century, the castle, once considered Germany's most beautiful Renaissance courtyard, was rebuilt in the 1960s. Today, in addition to its permanent exhibitions, it houses a modern cultural lounge in the Dürnitz building, which serves as a venue for concerts and lectures and attracts around 300,000 visitors a year.

The permanent exhibition "Legendary Masterpieces" takes visitors on a journey through Württemberg's cultural history, from the Ice Age to the end of the monarchy. Highlights include Ice Age ivory carvings such as the small lion's head, Roman finds such as the Pfrondorf mask helmet, and sacred art of the Middle Ages. The tour ends with a display of the crown jewels of the Württemberg kings, including the royal crown set with diamonds and emeralds. A second major collection, "True Treasures," is devoted to antiquity, the Celts, and the original cabinet of curiosities. Among the things you can see here are Greek sculptures, mummy portraits, and important Celtic princely tombs, which make the museum one of the most important sites in the world for this era.

Beyond its historical holdings, the museum also offers modern experiences. Historic clocks and measuring instruments are displayed in the vaulted cellar, while in the Fruchtkasten you can both see and hear historic musical instruments. A particular highlight is the glass collection, which became one of the most significant in the world with the acquisition of the Ernesto Wolf collection and shows glass from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period. Regular special exhibitions on current historical topics round out the offerings and make the Landesmuseum a central place for cultural education and encounters in Stuttgart.