Villa Berg Cultural Center

From its construction as a royal summer residence in the 19th century to its use as a municipal picture gallery with a reception hall in the mid-20th century and its use as a broadcasting hall and concert hall by Süddeutscher Rundfunk (later SWR), Villa Berg and its park have a rich history behind them. The repurchase of the building by the state capital of Stuttgart in 2016 was initiated by the civic engagement of over 3,000 Stuttgart residents. The city of Stuttgart also developed guidelines in an extensive participation process, which serve as the basis for the current plans for the new cultural center.

On December 1, 2022, the municipal council approved the draft usage and operating concept for Villa Berg. The concept is based on guidelines that were developed in a model citizen participation process in 2016 and adopted by the municipal council as the basis for future use. "With today's decision, we are taking a big step towards the Open House for Music and More," explains First Mayor Dr. Fabian Mayer. With the approved utilization concept, the city of Stuttgart is breaking new ground: for the first time, a cultural institution is being developed from the outset with a high level of citizen participation. "We are very much looking forward to presenting this unique urban cultural institution to everyone in Stuttgart and beyond," says Marc Gegenfurtner, Head of the Cultural Department.

The Villa Berg planning team in the Department of Culture, which was founded in 2021 by resolution of the municipal council of the state capital, is leading the development of the Villa Berg cultural center. It develops the concept, structures and artistic profile of the new event venue. The planning team also supports the architectural planning and the construction process with the aim of preparing a successful cultural and event venue at Villa Berg that reflects both the diversity of Stuttgart's cultural life and the diversity of Stuttgart's urban society. Central to this is the intensive and long-term involvement of interested citizens, for example through the Villa Berg project group, which has been in existence since 2016. Stakeholders from Stuttgart's cultural scene and event industry are seen as partners and included in the planning as future users from the outset.

The planning team also works closely with other departments involved in the overall Villa Berg project. The Office for Urban Planning and Housing is the client representative for the renovation and new construction of Villa Berg, while the Garden, Cemetery and Forestry Office is responsible for the parallel renovation of Villa Berg Park. The Civil Engineering Office is responsible for the renovation of the underground car park and the Property Office for the management of the building.