Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is not only known for its automotive history and picturesque vineyards, but also for its groundbreaking architecture. So if you are interested in iconic buildings that are known far beyond the region’s borders, a visit to the Swabian metropolis is highly recommended.
Stuttgart, the state capital, is a place where tradition and modernity blend in perfect harmony. Whether you are interested in visionary thinking from the 1920s or futuristic design, Stuttgart’s architecture is sure to enchant you.
Weissenhofsiedlung
One of the most influential projects of modern construction, the Weissenhofsiedlung, is enthroned on the Killesberg. Built in 1927 under the direction of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, it was intended to solve the housing problem of the “golden twenties”. Architects such as Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius and Hans Scharoun created timeless masterpieces here that continue to inspire today. The Weissenhof Estate has been a listed building since 1958.
Today, 23 of the 33 houses built here are still standing and even inhabited. The Le Corbusier House, which was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2016, has been home to the Weissenhof Museum since 2006. During a visit, you can discover the original furnishings and the exciting history of the estate. Another highlight is the Scharoun House, known for its flowing spatial concepts and light-flooded rooms. Incidentally, the “pearl of urban development history”, as the complex is affectionately known by the people of Stuttgart, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. This is sure to be a perfect occasion for a visit.
TV Tower
At 217 meters high, Stuttgart’s TV tower is an architectural milestone. Professor Fritz Leonhardt, a leading bridge builder, designed this concrete structure – a novelty that was imitated worldwide. After a construction period of just 20 months, the city’s current landmark opened on February 5, 1956, with its almost circular cylindrical viewing platform at a height of 144 meters, which offers a breathtaking view of the Stuttgart basin and the surrounding area.
Those who want to learn more about the SWR TV tower can take part in the 60-minute “Overview” tour, which entices visitors with exciting stories. In December 2023, the TV tower was included on the German tentative list for Unesco World Heritage.
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Not far from Killesberg, the spiral structure of the Mercedes-Benz Museum entices visitors with its futuristic architecture, which combines technology and design in a unique way.
The exhibition, which covers a total of nine levels and takes you through the history of the automobile, is a must for technology and design fans. The Maybach Hall is sure to be the crowning glory, an area dedicated to the brand’s luxurious vehicles that showcases elegance at the highest level. It’s no wonder that Stuttgart is colloquially called Benztown.
Our tip: explore the city with the blue Stuttgart Citytour using the hop-on, hop-off principle and enjoy free admission to museums with the StuttCard. Other architectural highlights include the city church of St. Dionysius, a fine example of Gothic architecture in the region, and Stuttgart’s main train station, an impressive work by Paul Bonatz that is currently being reinterpreted by the Stuttgart 21 project.
