Housed inside the halls, chambers, towers and corridors of a 10th-century castle is the State Museum of Württemberg. There are hundreds of thousands of objects in the museum’s collections that explore local history from Stone Age times to the first decades of the 20th century. The museum was founded in 1862 and exhibits are grouped into three specific themes: archeology, art and cultural history and folklore.
Allow at least half a day to explore the extensive collection of artifacts. See tools from the Stone Age and weapons that are more than 50,000 years old. Browse the collection of Roman objects from Württemberg that include jewellery, mosaics and a face helmet worn by soldiers at ceremonial occasions. Venture down into the barrel vault under the castle to see antique glassware from late Roman and Byzantine times.
Go to the art and cultural history galleries to see portraits of Württemberg nobility, 18th-century European tapestries and clocks that are hundreds of years old. There is also a celestial globe from 1493.
One of the highlights of the museum are the Crown Jewels of Württemberg. Among the priceless creations are a diamond diadem and the Crown of Württemberg encrusted with emeralds, diamonds and pearls. It was made in 1806 for Frederick I, the last Duke of Württemberg.
To peruse the ethnographic collection, go to the Museum of Everyday Culture in Waldenbuch Castle. It is situated in a small city in the Schönbuchn Forest, about 30 minutes by car from Stuttgart. There is a separate admission price. Here you’ll find exhibits that encompass domestic and working lives in pre- and post-industrial ages. Look at folk musical instruments, a recreation of an 18th-century workshop and domestic appliances from the first half of the 20th century.
The Old Castle campus of the State Museum of Württemberg is situated in Schillerplatz, an historic square in the old city centre. Metered parking is available in the underground car park. Alternatively, arrive by bus or tram.
The museum is open every day except Mondays and some public holidays. Admission charges apply and there are discounts for children, students and patrons with a disability.
