The State Gallery in Stuttgart was opened in 1843 and is an important art museum in Baden-Württemberg. Because the collection of art treasures in the museum grew continuously, the classicist old building was given a postmodern extension in 1984, designed by the British architect James Stirling. He thus created one of the most important works of postmodernism in Germany.
The contrast between the buildings is unmistakable: here the "Old State Gallery" with its straight lines and strict geometry, there the "New State Gallery" made of steel and glass with a curved facade and bright colors. The interplay of old and new is still a much admired work of art today and the best conceivable setting for an art collection.
In the Staatsgalerie, visitors can expect 800 years of art history. The collection covers a broad spectrum, with two trends standing out in particular: old Swabian art and international works. The main focus of the collection is undoubtedly classical modernism, with works from the years 1900 to 1980. Highlights include works by Oskar Schlemmer, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Joseph Beuys, who personally furnished a room.
The diversity of the collection attracts between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each year. This makes the Staatsgalerie one of the most visited museums in Germany.
