Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

About the museum

The city's art collection was founded in 1924 by the Italian Marchese Silvio della Valle di Casanova, who bequeathed his collection of paintings, including works of Swabian Impressionism, to the city of Stuttgart. It opened in 1925 in the Villa Berg as the Städtische Gemäldesammlung (Municipal Painting Collection). During the Nazi era, the city purchased art on a large scale; a dedicated museum building never materialized, and many works were lost in the war.

In 1961, the collection moved into the rebuilt Kunstgebäude on Schlossplatz as the Galerie der Stadt Stuttgart. Under Eugen Keuerleber, a focus on Otto Dix and art from the region developed there; his successor Johann Karl Schmidt expanded the contemporary art holdings.

Following a competition in 1999, Berlin architects Hascher + Jehle built the striking glass cube on Kleiner Schlossplatz, which encloses a stone core; much of the exhibition space lies beneath the square. In 2005, the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart opened here under the direction of Marion Ackermann. Since 2010, Ulrike Groos has directed the museum, setting priorities in the collection profile, emerging artists, and provenance research. In 2013, the Museum Haus Dix on Lake Constance was added as a branch.

Since April 2026, the building has been undergoing a technical renovation, including new LED lighting and security systems. The reopening with a newly conceived collection presentation is planned for the first quarter of 2027.

Highlights

• One of the most important Otto Dix collections, including the Metropolis triptych ("Großstadt")
• Works by Adolf Hölzel, Willi Baumeister, and the Stuttgart avant-garde
• Glass museum cube by Hascher + Jehle on Schlossplatz
• Restaurant CUBE with panoramic views over downtown Stuttgart
• Branch museum Museum Haus Dix in Hemmenhofen on Lake Constance

Founded

2005

Operated by

Stiftung Kunstmuseum Stuttgart gGmbH

Director

Ulrike Groos

Admission & discounts

Prices after the reopening have not yet been published. Temporary exhibition "Das kalte Herz" in the Kunstgebäude: €8, reduced €5, evening ticket €2; free admission from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Guided tours €3/€2 plus admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is accessible; free escort service available if booked two weeks in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Family Sunday for children aged 4 and up with an adult (approx. 1.5 hours, tour and creative activity). Children's media guide (ages 6–12) free on your own device or as a loaner device for €3. Free admission for under-18s.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the low-emission zone (vehicles only with a green emissions sticker).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant CUBE on the top floor of the glass cube (open during the renovation), o.T. Bar in the foyer (indoor area closed until November 2026), terrace; Walther König bookshop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Event hall (470 m²), seminar room (120 m²), and Restaurant CUBE (250 m²), all accessible; catering exclusively by the in-house caterer. Limited availability during the renovation. Contact: vermietung@kunstmuseum-stuttgart.de

Plan your visit