Updated on January 7, 2025 by Angelika
As the weather forecast for today was bad, I decided to go to Stuttgart and visit the Württemberg State Museum in the Old Palace, which a friend had recently spoken enthusiastically about. I vaguely remember going there once with my school - about 45 years ago.
The train went on strike again today - I'm beginning to wonder why I've been paying for a €49 ticket for three months that I've only been able to use once so far - and that was only to travel to Stuttgart. Either there's construction going on or there's a strike - at any rate, rail travel in the southwest has been virtually impossible this year.
So I take the car. When I arrive in Stuttgart, I discover that my usual parking garage - the Breuninger parking garage - is being demolished. So I drive through the city center for a while until I find a space in the Dorotheen-Quartier parking garage.
From the parking garage, I walk straight into the Dorotheen Quartier. Opposite the parking garage exit, I discover the entrance to a supermarket - I hadn't even heard of it. How convenient - I'm going to do some shopping there later before I head back home.
On the way to the Old Palace, I pass the market hall. Opened in 1914, the Art Nouveau hall not only offers delicacies from all over the world - it is also one of the most popular sights in Stuttgart's city center.
The last market stalls are being dismantled on Schillerplatz. Schillerplatz is my favorite square in Stuttgart. It was faithfully restored in the 1950s and is considered one of the most harmonious Renaissance squares in southern Germany. In summer, it's nice to sit on the terrace of the Alte Kanzlei.
The magnolia trees on Schlossplatz are a popular photo motif for visitors to the city today. I am also delighted with the heralds of spring.
The Württemberg State Museum in the Old Palace presents archaeological finds and the art and cultural history of the state from the Stone Age to the present day. The crown jewels of Württemberg are also on display.
The bright, modern Café Dürnitz in the foyer of the old building is very popular with museum visitors. In summer, you can enjoy a coffee in the cozy courtyard of the Old Palace.
My tour through Württemberg's history takes me from the Ice Age art finds of the Swabian Alb, grave finds from the Bronze Age, the Roman exhibition, precious burial objects from the Merovingian period to sacred works of art from the Middle Ages such as the Talheim Altar and the crown treasure of the Württemberg kings. Afterwards, I have to fortify myself and opt for the delicious poppy seed cake and a cappuccino at Café Dürnitz, which is now a hive of activity.
Despite a forecast to the contrary, it stayed dry. I take a walk across Schlossplatz. From the historic bandstand, you have the best view of the whole square with the New Palace, the Jubilee Column and the fountains. It's no wonder that Schlossplatz is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
For me, there is no visit to Stuttgart without a detour to the Upper Palace Gardens. As at many lakes in the area, the Nile geese have taken over here too. The park is an oasis in the middle of the city, lined with historic buildings such as the neoclassical opera house.
I walk past the opera house to Hauptstätter Straße to take a quick photo of the Neue Staatsgalerie. The building, designed by James Stirling, is considered one of the most important works of postmodern architecture in Germany.
Before I head back home, I stock up on cheese and grapes for dinner in the market hall. With all the delicacies on offer here, it's hard to choose.
12 of 12 info
If you enjoyed this glimpse into my day and have a blog yourself, join in the fun!
The photo project 12 of 12 was initiated by Caro from Draußen nur Kännchen. On the 12th of the month, you take lots of photos throughout the day, and in the evening, you pick 12 of them to write a short description about. Under Caro's 12 of 12 posting you will find a list in which you can enter your own 12 of 12 blog post.
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The last stand is very impressive - the magnolias are still not ready here - more than two weeks later. Stuttgart seems to have a very mild climate.
Yes, it's always 1 - 2 degrees warmer in Stuttgart than around it because it's in a basin 😊. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Love,
Angelika
Hello Angelika,
I have never been to Stuttgart, but your 12 of 12 invite me to visit Stuttgart. A city worth seeing in your photos.
You seem to have had a really relaxed day. It would probably have been even more relaxing if you could have taken the train 😊I hate driving through cities by car and having to look for a parking space - I'm always stressed 😉
Thank you for taking us through your day.
Anja
Dear Anja,
I'm glad you've got the urge to come to Stuttgart. I think it's one of the underrated big cities in Germany. And the area around Stuttgart also has a lot to offer. So it's well worth it!
Cheers,
Angelika