The Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, where every vehicle on display is still roadworthy
The building appears to float. A white mass 140 metres long, resting on just three V-shaped columns, suspended above the ground. This monolith designed by Delugan Meissl, opened in 2009 for a cost of 100 million euros, sets the tone before you even cross the threshold: here, everything is about movement and apparent lightness.
Why visit the Porsche Museum?
This is not simply a lineup of pretty car bodies. The museum operates on a rare principle in the automotive world: all the vehicles on display are in running condition and can be pulled out at any time to drive on a track or participate in historical rallies.
The permanent collection features more than 700 vehicles, including nearly 200 race cars. Around 80 to 95 models are presented in rotation across the 5,600 m² of exhibition space, making every visit different from the last.
The history extends well beyond the brand itself. The route begins with the work of Ferdinand Porsche in the early 20th century, including the design of the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle in 1898 and his contribution to the creation of the Volkswagen Beetle. The exhibition also addresses the National Socialist period and the use of forced labor in the factories of Stuttgart during the 1940s without shying away from it.
The visitor route: from the 1898 P1 to future concept cars
The visit starts with a long escalator offering a plunging view of the brand archives. At the top, the prologue, recently redesigned with over 20 interactive stations, traces the origins of the company before 1948. Visitors discover the V12 Cisitalia engine, displayed for the first time on a digital test bench where visitors can make it roar virtually.
The rest of the route is organized around themes rather than strict chronology. A few standout pieces include:
- The P1 from 1898, the first vehicle designed by Ferdinand Porsche
- The Type 64 from 1939, the direct ancestor of all Porsche sports cars
- The 356, the first model to bear the Porsche name, produced starting in 1948
- The 550 Spyder, the car in which James Dean died in 1955
- The 917, legend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1970s
- Every generation of the 911, from 1963 to today
The restoration workshop visible from the exhibition hall
Behind an immense glass wall, the mechanics of the Porsche Classic Workshop restore and maintain historic vehicles in plain view of the public. Watching a specialist dismantle the engine of a 1970s 911 just a few metres away adds a concrete dimension that few automotive museums offer.
What appeals even to non-car enthusiasts
Even visitors indifferent to cars will find something to enjoy here. The staging is polished, natural light bathes the car bodies, and the interactive kiosks make the whole experience accessible without any prior technical knowledge. A free audioguide is available in eight languages. Children have dedicated playful routes with virtual reality experiences, and at least one vehicle is open for visitors to sit behind the wheel.
Friendly tip: if you are also visiting the Mercedes-Benz Museum, keep your Porsche ticket. It entitles you to a 25% discount on admission to the rival museum, and vice versa. The Mercedes museum is located 10 km to the southeast, easily accessible by S-Bahn. The two complement each other well: sleek design and motor sports at Porsche, a monumental chronological fresco at Mercedes.
Highlights of the visit
- Spectacular architecture that is an integral part of the experience
- Living exhibition: cars rotate regularly, making every visit different
- Free audioguide in eight languages, well-thought-out children's routes
- Visible restoration workshop, a real plus for understanding the craftsmanship
- Reasonable pricing: $17* for adults, free for children up to and including age 10
What to know before you go
- The exhibition space remains modest compared to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, which is three times larger
- Located slightly off-center in the Zuffenhausen neighborhood, 10 minutes by S-Bahn from downtown
- Factory tours must be booked separately, only on weekdays, and are prohibited for children under 12
- The Christophorus restaurant is pleasant, but its prices match the brand
Indicative admission prices for the Porsche Museum
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult (day ticket) | $17* |
| Reduced rate (school pupils, students, pensioners, people with disabilities, job seekers) | $9* |
| Children up to and including age 10, accompanied by an adult | Free |
| Family ticket | From $29* |
| Early Bird ticket (entry before 10:00 AM) | $14* |
| Evening ticket (entry from 4:00 PM) | $14* |
| Group (10 people minimum) | $12* per person |
Indicative rates subject to change. A $6.80* discount is available upon presentation of a valid Deutschlandticket or bwtarif ticket on the day of your visit.
Opening hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00-18:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00-18:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00-18:00 |
| Friday | 09:00-18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00-18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00-18:00 |
Last ticket sale at 5:30 PM. Closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
How long for this activity
*Information subject to change
Even though I am not a big car fan, I found the museum very well done. You will not just see a collection of cars. An entire part of the museum is interactive with activities, which is great with kids. The older models are also very interesting.