Cultural Guide to Stuttgart | Top 10 Contemporary Art Galleries
Known the world over for its industrial vibe, Stuttgart is actually a thriving cultural metropolis with a gourmet dining scene, beautiful nature surrounding the city, and numerous art galleries and institutions. From exclusive, open-by-appointment galleries to collections of German and international 20th and 21st century art open to the public, here are the ten best places to see art in Stuttgart.
1. Galerie Schlichtenmaier
Galerie Schlichtenmaier
Established in 1978, Galerie Schlichtenmaier has become one of the central names in Stuttgart art circles, bearing the standard of tradition and more recently branching out to contemporary art. From its beginnings embracing the movements of new objectivity, expressive realism, and some strands of abstract art, the gallery has opened up to post-1945 art, seeking to document the struggles between realism and concrete art. It has one of the world’s most complete collections of works by Stuttgart artists Willi Baumeister (1889-1955) and Adolf Hölzel (1853-1934).
Galerie Schlichtenmaier, Kleiner Schlossplatz 11, Stuttgart, Germany, +49 711 120 4151
2. Galerie Reinhard Hauff
Galerie Reinhard Hauff
There are industrial vibes aplenty to be felt in Galerie Reinhard Hauff, throughout the installations, sculpture and graphic work that document the history of contemporary Germany. This gallery showcases politically engaged works that reflect the trials and tribulations of the societies in which they have been produced. The emphasis is on art as a trigger of public debate. Within a blend of the local, national, and international, the space encompasses a perfect mix catering to both locals and visitors, and representing artists from Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the USA.
Galerie Reinhard Hauff, Paulinenstrasse 47, Stuttgart, Germany, +49 711 609 770
3. Künstlerhaus Stuttgart
Art Gallery, Library
4. Parrotta Contemporary Art
Parrotta Contemporary Art
With spaces in Stuttgart and Berlin, Parrotta Contemporary Art showcases the work of younger and established artists across its three post-industrial exhibition rooms. A new arrival to the German art scene, having opened in 2007, Parrotta has nonetheless attracted major international names such as photographers Anna and Bernard Blume, while simultaneously helping to launch the careers of lesser-known German artists. Concept-driven exhibitions and a socio-political streak are defining features of this up-and-coming gallery.
Parrotta Contemporary Art, Augustenstrasse 87–89, Stuttgart, Germany, +49 711 699 47910
5. Sturm Galerie
Sturm Galerie
Michael Sturm opened his eponymous gallery in 1996, with a strong and visible focus on non-representational art form North America and Europe. It has links with galleries around Germany and abroad, notably Galerie Schlégl in Zurich, Vidal St. Phalle in Paris, and Green on Red Gallery in Dublin. Its emphasis is on painting and color, with past exhibitions showcasing the works of Icelandic artist Finnbogi Petursson, who represented his country at the Venice Biennale, and Briton Roger Ackling, whose work has been displayed at the Tate Modern.
Sturm Galerie, Christophstraße 6, Stuttgart, Germany, +49 711 615 9568
6. Kunsthaus Keim
Art Gallery
7. Neue Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
Neue Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
No list of art galleries in Stuttgart would be complete without a reference to its New State Gallery, built in 1984 by British architect James Stirling, winner of the Pritzker Prize in 1981, a controversial although undeniably striking edifice standing next to the Old Gallery, right in the heart of Stuttgart. An impressive and representative example of post-modernist architecture, it houses one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art in Germany, including works by Picasso, Kokoschka, Miró, Beuys, and others. It recently exhibited a selection of print portfolios by Kandisky, Klee and Schiele, shedding a light on lesser-known works by those masters of modernism.
Staatsgalerie Sttutgart, Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 30 – 32, Stuttgart, Germany, +49 711 470 402 49
8. Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen Galerie
Museum
9. Galerie Kaess-Weiss
Art Gallery
10. Kunststiftung Baden-Württemberg
Kunststiftung Baden-Württemberg
The Arts Foundation of Baden-Württemberg is an independent institution fostering the work of artists born or working in Baden-Württemberg, supporting exhibitions, attributing grants, liaising with international agencies and generally ensuring that creative energies in the state are nurtured and preserved. A must-see for an authentic feel of what the youngest generation of local artists are producing, the foundation guarantees solid insight into Stuttgart’s contemporary culture scene.
Kunststiftung Baden-Württemberg, Gerokstraße 37, Stuttgart, Germany, +49 711 236 4720
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.