Porsche & Mercedes-Benz Museums in Stuttgart – A Pilgrimage for Car Enthusiasts

Porsche & Mercedes-Benz Museums in Stuttgart – A Pilgrimage for Car Enthusiasts

When you’re behind the wheel of something special, it’s never just driving – it’s about legacy, craftsmanship and the stories behind the badge. Few places bring that heritage to life like the Porsche Museum and Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany – two of the most important automotive museums in the world.

Whether you’re plotting a Grand Tour across Europe or just looking for a worthy stop between scenic roads, Stuttgart absolutely deserves a pin on your map – you just don’t need to linger in the city itself for too long.

The striking sculpture in front of the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen is called "Inspiration 911". Created by British artist Gerry Judah, this 25-meter-high artwork features three real Porsche 911 models mounted atop soaring steel beams, each representing a different generation of the iconic sports car.

Table of Contents

1. Why Stuttgart Belongs on a Petrolhead Map

2. Porsche Museum – Where Precision Meets Passion

3. Mercedes-Benz Museum – The Evolution of Innovation

4. Museum Hours, Tickets & Practical Tips

5. Where to Stay – Base Yourself Smartly

6. Drive Out: Black Forest High Road & Baden-Baden

7. Getting to Stuttgart from Frankfurt Airport

8. FAQs: Porsche & Mercedes-Benz Museums in Stuttgart

Why Stuttgart Belongs on a Petrolhead Map

Stuttgart is car country. Porsche and Mercedes-Benz both call the region home, and their museums sit almost like temples on opposite sides of the city.

As a destination, Stuttgart itself is more functional than beautiful – heavily bombed in WWII, then rebuilt in a concrete-forward, practical style. It’s a working town with an automotive soul rather than a charming old-town postcard.

That’s why, for most EPIKDRIVES guests, Stuttgart works best as:

• A focused 1–2 day stop for the museums,

• A convenient hub between Frankfurt, the Black Forest and the Alps, and

• A launch point for an Autobahn & Black Forest driving loop.

Porsche Museum – Where Precision Meets Passion

The Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen is a design object in itself: a sharp, cantilevered building hovering above Porscheplatz, hinting at speed before you even see a car.

Inside the Museum

• Around 80 vehicles on display at any time – from the early 356 to iconic 911 generations, Le Mans legends and the 918 Spyder.

• An exhibition that spirals through Porsche history rather than being chopped into small rooms – it feels open, bright and engineered.

• Special exhibitions that rotate around themes like motorsport, design studies or specific eras.

Architecture, light and layout all reinforce the brand: crisp lines, minimal clutter, everything focused on the cars.

“Inspiration 911” – The Sculpture Outside

In front of the museum, you’ll see the striking white sculpture “Inspiration 911” by British artist Gerry Judah:

• Three real Porsche 911s mounted on slender, 25-metre-high beams

• Each car representing a different generation of the 911

• A perfect photo spot and a statement piece about continuity and evolution

Food & Atmosphere

If you want to make it a proper occasion:

• Restaurant Christophorus inside the museum serves dry-aged steaks, fine wines and elevated cuisine, with views over the factory courtyard.

• A more casual café area covers coffee, snacks and light meals for shorter visits.

Getting There & Ticket Basics

• There’s a Porsche Museum station right outside, served by S-Bahn and regional trains.

• If you arrive by public transport and show a valid VVS day ticket, you can get a €5 discount on the regular adult admission bought at the ticket desk.

• If you come by car, the museum has its own underground car park, with direct access into the building.

Mercedes-Benz Museum – The Evolution of Innovation

Often overshadowed by the more “sexy” Porsche name, the Mercedes-Benz Museum is arguably one of the most comprehensive automotive museums in the world – and a must-do if you care about the story of the car.

The Building & Layout

Housed in a dramatic spiral of glass and concrete, the museum is built around a simple concept:

• Take the elevator to the top floor,

• Then walk down through 130+ years of automotive history.

Along the way you’ll see:

• Over 160 vehicles, from the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen to modern Formula 1 machinery and prototypes.

• Themed displays that place cars in the wider context of technology, society and culture – it’s not just about horsepower, but how the automobile reshaped daily life.

Each floor has:

• A central “Legend” space – the main storyline, and

• A side Collection Room – dedicated to themes like commercial vehicles, buses, fire trucks and utility icons.

Many visitors skip those Collection Rooms – don’t. They’re often where the real surprises live.

Visitor Tips Inside

• Guided tours run most days (subject to availability): typically 11:00 in English, 14:30 in German, around 75 minutes.

• The layout spirals downward – on each level, visit the Collection Room first, then loop back through the main exhibit to avoid missing anything.

• The gift shop and café are well worth a stop: quality merchandise, books and surprisingly good coffee.

Match Days & Parking

The museum sits close to the Mercedes-Benz Arena football stadium. On match days:

• Parking around the museum can be tight or redirected,

• Traffic can be slow before and after games.

If your dates coincide with VfB Stuttgart home matches (Aug–May), strongly consider public transport for the museum day.

Museum Hours, Tickets & Practical Tips

Opening Hours (Both Museums)

Both the Porsche Museum and the Mercedes-Benz Museum currently operate on similar schedules:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00–18:00, Closed on Mondays

• Ticket desks close roughly 30–60 minutes before closing (check exact times before your visit).

Always double-check hours around public holidays, as opening times can shift.

Tickets & Discounts

Porsche Museum

• Tickets can be purchased online via the official booking tool or on site at the museum ticket counter.

• Standard adult admission is around €12, with evening tickets after 17:00 at about €6.

• Show a valid VVS day ticket when buying a full-price adult ticket at the desk and receive €5 off the regular admission.

• Online tickets allow you to use a fast lane entrance and cut down waiting time.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

• Tickets can be bought online or directly at the museum.

• Guided tours (open museum tours) carry a small extra fee (around €8), on top of regular admission.

Seeing Both in One Day?

It’s possible – but it’s a full day:

• Expect 3–4 hours if you want to do each museum properly.

• Travel time between them by public transport (S-Bahn / U-Bahn + short walks) is roughly 35–45 minutes each way, depending on connections.

If you’re a real enthusiast, consider:

• Day 1: Porsche Museum + relaxed dinner.

• Day 2: Mercedes-Benz Museum, then drive out towards the Black Forest or your next stop.

Where to Stay – Base Yourself Smartly

Stuttgart City Centre: Not Worth the Detour

Brutally honest: central Stuttgart is not the place you come for charm. Post-war reconstruction left a lot of concrete, and most central hotels lean towards functional business style rather than characterful stays.

Traffic can also be:

• Busy and chaotic at peak hours,

• Complicated by football matches, events and construction.

A Better Choice: Radisson Blu at Porsche Design Tower

For many car-focused trips, a smarter option is the Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart:

• Sleek, modern tower hotel with design credentials to match the automotive theme.

• Short distance by car or public transport from the Porsche Museum and with good access to key highways.

• Secure parking and a clean, contemporary feel – ideal as a base for museum visits and onward drives.

You effectively:

• Avoid inner-city gridlock,

• Stay close to what you actually came for,

• And position yourself nicely for driving out towards the Black Forest, the Swabian Alps or further south into Switzerland.

Drive Out: Black Forest High Road & Baden-Baden

Once you’ve had your fill of glass, steel and museum lighting, it’s time for the good stuff outside Stuttgart.

Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße / B500)

Just west of Stuttgart lies one of Germany’s classic driving roads: the Black Forest High Road (B500).

• The most famous section runs about 60 km from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt, along the ridge of the northern Black Forest.

• Expect sweeping bends, smooth surfaces, forested slopes and big views over the Rhine Valley and towards the Vosges on a clear day.

It’s a route that combines:

• Long, flowing curves,

• Scenic lay-bys for photos,

• Access to viewpoints, lakes and hiking trails – including spots like Mummelsee.

Baden-Baden – Classic Spa-Town Contrast

Pair the B500 with a night in Baden-Baden:

• Historic spa town with thermal baths, grand hotels and parks.

• A complete contrast to Stuttgart’s utilitarian feel – elegant, walkable, romantic.

It’s a beautiful way to transition from industrial heritage and museum floors to open roads and old-world relaxation.

Turn It into a Full Autobahn & Museums Escape

If you’re ready to turn this detour into a proper road trip, EPIKDRIVES’ Autobahn Experience Tour links:

• Stuttgart’s car museums,

• Select, unrestricted sections of German Autobahn, and

• Scenic roads such as the B500 in the Black Forest,

with curated hotels and stops that match the cars you’re driving – so the experience outside the car lives up to what’s in your garage (or on your rental agreement).

Getting to Stuttgart from Frankfurt Airport

If you’re flying into Germany, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is often the easiest gateway.

• Direct ICE high-speed trains connect Frankfurt Airport to Stuttgart Hbf in about 1h15–1h30 on average, with the fastest services as quick as ~1h10–1h15.

• Trains run multiple times per day and are generally more convenient than dealing with a short-haul connection flight.

From Stuttgart Hbf, you can:

• Take S-Bahn or regional trains to Porsche Museum (Zuffenhausen) and Mercedes-Benz Museum (Neckarpark), or

• Collect your car and drive straight out of the city towards your first scenic stage.

FAQs: Porsche & Mercedes-Benz Museums in Stuttgart

1. Can I visit both museums in one day?

Yes, but it will be a full, fairly intense day.

• Allow 3–4 hours per museum if you want to see them properly.

• Factor in 35–45 minutes of public transport between the two.

Enthusiasts often prefer to split them over two days to avoid “museum fatigue”.

2. Do I need to book tickets in advance?

For the Porsche Museum, you can buy tickets online or on site. Online tickets give you access to a fast lane and help you avoid queues, especially on weekends or in peak season.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum also offers both online ticketing and on-site purchase. Booking ahead is recommended if you’re on a tight schedule or want to join a guided tour.

3. Is there a discount if I use public transport?

At the Porsche Museum, if you arrive with a valid VVS day ticket and buy a full-price adult ticket at the desk, you currently receive a €5 discount on admission.

For the Mercedes-Benz Museum, check current offers – local tourism cards or city passes may include discounts or bundled entry.

4. Are both museums open every day?

No. Both museums are closed on Mondays.

They typically open Tuesday–Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00, with ticket desks closing before final entry. Always confirm times close to your visit, especially on public holidays.

5. Where should I stay if I’m mainly coming for the museums and driving?

If your focus is the museums and driving, rather than city sightseeing:

• Skip most city-centre hotels.

• Base yourself at a property like the Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart, which gives you modern rooms, secure parking and easy access to the Porsche Museum and main routes out of the city.