Alright, let's get you in the right spot! As you walk towards Schlossplatz, you'll know you're there when you see a vast open square. Look for the eye-catching Jubilee Column right in the center. This column is tall and topped with a statue of Concordia, the goddess of harmony, holding a laurel wreath. You'll also spot the grandiose building of Neues Schloss behind it.
Now, let me tell you about this fantastic place!
Schlossplatz is the largest square in Stuttgart Mitte and home to the Neues Schloss, which was built between 1746 and 1807. Initially used as a military parade ground, it wasn’t open to the public until the mid-1800s. Today, it stands proudly next to two other popular squares in Stuttgart, Karlsplatz to the south and Schillerplatz to the southwest. The bustling Königstraße, or King Street, slices right through the plaza from north to south.
The Neues Schloss, or “New Palace”, became public property in 1918. Unfortunately, like much of Stuttgart Mitte, it took quite a hit during WWII but was restored between 1958 and 1964 with a modernized interior. It now houses the ministries of Culture and the Treasury for the government of Baden-Württemberg.
Here's a fun fact: up until the 1960s, Königstraße carried auto and truck traffic across the plaza. However, now it's a pedestrian-friendly zone with an underground station and tunnels redirecting traffic away from the plaza. The entire square had a grand overhaul in 1977 to mark the Federal Garden Show (Bundesgartenschau), and the lawns and flowerbeds were refreshed in 2006 for the World Cup Finals.
Schlossplatz is a hive of activity and regularly hosts major outdoor events, such as open-air concerts, children’s fairs, and the Weihnachten market with an outdoor ice rink. During the 2006 World Cup Finals, it accommodated over 40,000 spectators watching matches on giant screens!
One of the most colorful moments here was in summer 2008 when it featured the United Buddy Bears exhibition, an array of 144 two-meter-high sculptures designed by different artists, symbolizing cultural understanding, tolerance, and mutual trust.
So take a deep breath, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and enjoy the majestic views right here at Schlossplatz!
