Exploring the Top Attractions at Schlossplatz, Stuttgart

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Schlossplatz is definitely one of the highlights of visiting Stuttgart. It’s the largest square in the city and always has something going on, no matter the time of year. You’ll find some of Stuttgart’s key landmarks here, like the New Palace, the Old Palace, the Old Chancellery, and the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart. I think Schlossplatz is one of the most beautiful places in Stuttgart. The elegant New Palace, Baroque-style gardens, fountains, and the music pavilion really add to its charm.

Let me tell you more about this square — its must-see spots — and help you get the most out of your visit if you ever decide to go to Stuttgart.

Jubilee Column (Jubiläumssäule)

Concordia on top of the Jubilee Column of Stuttgart, Germany — Concordia on top of the Jubilee Column

Statues at the foot of the Jubilee Column of Stuttgart, Germany — Statues at the foot of the Jubilee Column

View of the Jubilee Column from the pavillion of Schlossplatz, Stuttgart, Germany — View of the Jubilee Column from the pavillion of Schlossplatz

View of Jubilee Tower from Schlossplatz, Stuttgart, Germany — View of Jubilee Tower from Schlossplatz

The Jubilee Column. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time while still being right in the heart of modern Stuttgart. This massive, old-school monument from the 1840s, celebrates King Wilhelm I’s 25 years on the throne and his 60th birthday.

Imagine standing in the middle of this grand square with this towering structure in front of you, about 30 meters high. The base is pretty artsy, with four big reliefs that tell stories from Wilhelm’s reign – like epic battles against Napoleon and some political events. At each corner, there’s a statue representing different parts of society back then.

The real highlight? At the top, there’s this 5-meter-tall statue of Concordia, the Roman goddess of harmony. Definitely crane your neck to get a good look at her – she’s the centerpiece of this monument. She’s up there with symbols of peace and prosperity, looking like she’s ruling over the city. It’s a beautiful sight, especially when the sun’s setting.

And when you’re there, don’t just take a quick pic for Instagram; take a moment to look at the details on the base. It’s like a history lesson carved in stone, but way less boring.

New Palace (Neues Schloss)

View of the Neues Schloss from Schlossplatz, Stuttgart, Germany — View of the Neues Schloss from Schlossplatz

A closer look at the facade of Neues Schloss, Stuttgart, Germany — A closer look at the facade of Neues Schloss

Frescoes and architecture (interiors) of Neues Schloss, Stuttgart, Germany — Frescoes and architecture (interiors) of Neues Schloss

Rear facade view of Neues Schloss, Stuttgart, Germany — Rear facade view of Neues Schloss

Also from the Schlossplaz, you get this incredible view of the New Palace’s facade – a beautiful mix of Baroque and Classicism, making it look grand and ornate. It’s like the palace is showing off just by standing there.

This place has been around since the 18th century, started by Duke Carl Eugen because he wanted something flashier than the Old Castle. But, it took a beating during WWII, leaving just the facade notably standing (there were other parts that remained). They rebuilt it in the ’50s and ’60s, and now it’s used for government offices, including the Ministries of Finance and Education.

The highlights of visiting? Definitely the architecture—that facade with its detailed stonework and statues is worth seeing. The facade kinda reminded me of Versailles in France and St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican.

If you can, try to get on one of those tours to see the interior. While you can’t just walk in, you can experience the palace through special guided tours if you arrange them in advance. There, you can check out the grandeur of rooms like the White Hall, with its stunning chandeliers, and the Marble Hall, which has seen its share of royal events back in the day.

For more details, check out the official Neues Schloss website.

Old Castle (Altes Schloss)

Altes Schloss, Stuttgart, Germany — Altes Schloss

Flowers from the garden of Altes Schloss, Stuttgart, Germany — Flowers from the garden of Altes Schloss

Beautiful courtyard of Altes Schloss, Stuttgart, Germany — Beautiful courtyard of Altes Schloss

Artifacts inside the museum of Altes Schloss, Stuttgart, Germany — Artifacts inside the museum of Altes Schloss

The crown of Württemberg Royal inside Altes Schloss, Stuttgart, Germany — The crown of Württemberg Royal inside Altes Schloss

Altes Schloss is one of the landmarks you can see right away in Schlossplatz and been there since the 10th century, originally as a water castle to protect a stud farm – yeah, that’s where Stuttgart gets its name from. The castle was once a residence for the Counts and Dukes of Württemberg, but now it’s home to the Württemberg State Museum.

The first thing I noticed here? The architecture. Altes Schloss is a blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, which is kinda unique. But the highlights? Let’s start outside with the courtyard. It’s a beautiful, arcaded space where you can imagine knights from centuries ago riding up the equestrian staircase to the Knights’ Hall.

Inside, the museum is where things get really interesting:

The Art Chamber — this is where you’ll find treasures like the Württemberg crown jewels, including the crown and scepter from the 19th century.
Historical Displays — from Stone Age artifacts to Roman and Celtic treasures, the museum takes you on a journey through time. You’ll get insights into the region’s history from prehistoric times to the modern era. Honestly, it’s quite surprising to me discover such artifacts in Stuttgart (lol).
The Castle Church — a part of the castle, this church is not only a place of worship but also holds the tombs of King Charles I and Queen Olga. Something interesting to discover!
Stauffenberg Memorial — if you’re into history, this memorial for Claus von Stauffenberg, who tried to assassinate Hitler, is nice to see. It gives a poignant look into a dark chapter of German history.

What’s more? One of the most fascinating things inside is the interactive ‘Junges Schloss’ section for kids, making history accessible and fun, but even adults will enjoy the modern, engaging exhibits throughout the museum.

Please check the official website of Altes Schloss for more information.

Stuttgart Art Museum (Kunstmuseum Stuttgart)

Stuttgart Art Museum, Germany — Stuttgart Art Museum

Cool exhibits inside Stuttgart Art Museum, Germany — Cool exhibits inside Stuttgart Art Museum

More modern art inside Stuttgart Art Museum, Germany — More modern art inside Stuttgart Art Museum

View of Schlossplatz from the top of Stuttgart Art Museum, Germany — View of Schlossplatz from the top of Stuttgart Art Museum

I’m not really into modern art, but there’s something interesting inside the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, so I thought it was worth mentioning.

It’s this incredible glass cube sitting right on Schlossplatz – so you can’t really miss it. Haha! By day, it mirrors the city, and by night, it just glows. Opened back in 2005, it’s all about modern and contemporary art, giving you a real taste of the art scene.

The architecture alone is something else, designed by Hascher and Jehle. It’s like this transparent box, with limestone walls inside that you can see through the glass. It changes with the light, making it a dynamic part of the city’s landscape.

Inside, the museum boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Otto Dix’s work. His pieces are sharp, satirical, and sometimes a bit dark, reflecting society in ways that stick with you. But that’s not all; there’s Willi Baumeister, Adolf Hölzel, and Dieter Roth too. The art ranges from the 19th century right up to today’s artists.

The experience is pretty cool because they keep changing the exhibitions. You might catch a theme or a deep dive into one artist’s life. The layouts are inventive, with art spread over different floors, even down into what used to be old traffic tunnels.

Another highlight? The top floor of the museum offers this incredible view of the city and the surrounding hills. You get to see all of Schlossplatz and beyond. It’s stunning at night with the city lights, and catching a sunset from up there? It’s the perfect blend of art and nature.

There’s also this restaurant on the ground floor, perfect for soaking in the view of Schlossplatz while you grab a bite. They offer tours, art talks, and educational stuff too, so if you’re looking to learn more, there’s plenty going on.

For more information, here’s the official website of Stuttgart Art Museum.

Maximize Your Stuttgart Experience

Stuttgart has more to offer beyond the attractions and landmarks in Schlossplatz. Check out my explorer’s guide to Stuttgart, where I highlight must-see spots like the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums, along with attractions outside the city such as the Sepulchral Chapel, Schloss Solitude, and Ludwigsburg Residential Palace.

I’ve also put together a quick guide with essential tips for visiting Stuttgart to help you make the most of your trip. Check it out! If you’re curious about the events happening at Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz, you can find them on the city’s event calendar.

Planning a trip? From great hotel deals to skip-the-line tickets and affordable eSim to cheap rentals, check out the travel resources I recommend and use for a smooth and memorable trip. Click here for the best hotel deals and more travel discounts.

For a convenient, unique, or more enriching visit, check out these experiences and services:

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