New Porsche Museum Opens in Stuttgart on 31 January 2009
Porsche’s new €100m museum in Stuttgart, opening 31 January 2009, will showcase rotating exhibits from the marque’s history, with facilities for events, dining and research.
Porsche will open its new museum at Porscheplatz in Stuttgart on 31 January 2009, following a three-year construction project. The €100 million facility, built adjacent to the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, is intended to serve as a showcase for the marque’s history and engineering. With more than 80 vehicles on display at any one time, the museum offers a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of Porsche’s iconic models and motorsport achievements.
Introduction to the New Porsche Museum
Rotating Collection and Exhibits
The museum’s central feature is its rotating collection. Unlike traditional static displays, Porsche will regularly swap out its exhibits, allowing visitors to see different vehicles on repeat visits. Early displays include a 356 Cabriolet, an original ‘11’ model, and the first 924 prototype. All these cars have been comprehensively restored and prepared for museum use, with final preparations completed in the weeks leading up to the opening. The company’s approach means most vehicles are kept in running condition and may occasionally leave the building for events or demonstrations, then be replaced by other cars from the collection. This ensures the museum remains dynamic and engaging for both first-time and returning visitors.
Admission and Visitor Information
General admission is set at €8, with free entry for children under 14 when accompanied by an adult. The museum is open to the public from 09:00 to 18:00, Tuesday through Sunday, and remains closed on Mondays. This schedule allows for regular maintenance and rotation of the vehicles, ensuring that the exhibits remain in top condition. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and group bookings are available for schools and other organisations. The museum’s accessible location at Porscheplatz makes it easy for visitors arriving by public transport or car.
Facilities Beyond the Exhibition
Beyond the main exhibition, the new building houses a workshop for restoration and maintenance, a shop, and the Porsche archive. The second-floor restaurant is designed to overlook both the Porscheplatz and the exhibition space, with its own separate entrance and extended opening hours compared to the museum itself. Event spaces are available for conferences and private functions, making the site a venue for both enthusiasts and corporate clients. The museum shop offers a range of branded merchandise and literature, while the archive provides resources for researchers and historians interested in the marque’s legacy.
- Workshop for maintaining and restoring historic vehicles
- Dedicated archive for research and documentation
- Museum shop with branded merchandise and literature
- Restaurant with views into the exhibition and onto Porscheplatz
- Event spaces for hire
Construction and Preparation
During the construction phase, the vehicles destined for the museum were stored off-site in a warehouse in Zwingenberg am Neckar. Each car was restored and polished in preparation for display. In addition to the vehicles themselves, smaller exhibits and display cabinets were installed ahead of the opening. The final stages included setting up the exhibition lighting and ensuring all areas of the new building, such as the workshops, archive, shop, and restaurant, were ready to welcome visitors. Teams of experts worked to apply finishing touches to all aspects of the facility, from the exhibition halls to the event spaces.
Opening Events and Schedule
The Porsche Museum will open to the public three days after a ceremonial event on 28 January 2009. The official opening on 31 January marks the beginning of regular operations. Visitors can explore the museum’s collection, enjoy the restaurant, and browse the shop during standard opening hours. The museum’s approach to rotating exhibits and maintaining vehicles in running condition is intended to provide a changing and interactive experience, distinguishing it from more traditional automotive museums.
Impact and Significance for Stuttgart
The new Porsche Museum adds to Stuttgart’s appeal for car enthusiasts and tourists, joining the Mercedes-Benz Museum as a major destination for automotive history in the city. The facility not only showcases Porsche’s engineering heritage but also serves as a cultural and social venue through its event spaces and restaurant. By offering a regularly changing display and maintaining an active restoration workshop, Porsche provides visitors with fresh reasons to return and engage with the brand’s legacy.
Further Information
More information about the museum, including details for group bookings, special events, and current exhibitions, can be found on the company’s website. Visitors planning a trip are encouraged to check for updates on opening times and any special programmes that may be scheduled around the launch period.
