Full of history and rare and important cars, the Porsche Museum is a memorable experience for all ages
Share article
Copy link
Share on Facebook
Share on X
Share on LinkedIn
Travel through time and discover the history of Porsche at its Stuttgart museum, via its unique collection of legendary sportscars, racecars and prototypes
The Zuffenhausen district of Stuttgart, Germany is famous the world over for being the home to Porsche. But of all the many buildings on the site, there’s one that perhaps stands out more than any other. Since it first opened doors in 2009, the Porsche museum has served as an unmissable interactive journey into the brand’s history, with over half a million visitors currently passing through each year.At the museum you get to uncover Porsche history and take in its unmatchable collection of racecars, sportscars and prototypes. It‘s the place to go and learn about and celebrate the Porsche story and even get a glimpse of the future.When did the Porsche Museum first open?It was in July 2004 that the idea for a new Porsche Museum began to take shape – a huge, purpose-built space that could do justice to the priceless collection of vehicles that the company had amassed over the decades. More than 170 architectural firms applied with designs for the structure, but it was Delugan Meissl Associated Architects that was selected. Construction officially began a year later, in 2005. By the end of 2008 the Porsche Museum building was complete and, on 31 January 2009, it welcomed its first visitors.It may be a museum, but it’s so much more than just a collection of cars, no matter how rare and beautiful they are. The Porsche Museum also houses the company archive, a workshop, restaurants, a coffee bar as well as a museum gift shop full of goodies. There are workspaces and event areas too. The Porsche Museum is designed to be a hub for all things Porsche, bringing together history, innovation and a love of cars in one memorable and accessible space. More than anything, it’s a place for Porsche enthusiasts from all over the world to gather and share their passion. Where is the Porsche Museum situated?The Porsche Museum is located where it all began for Porsche – in the Zuffenhausen district of Stuttgart, Germany. It was here where Ferdinand Porsche first set up his engineering office in the early 1930s. And, in 1950, it would be where Porsche would relocate its production facilities to from Gmünd in Austria, where the first Porsche – the 356 – was initially made.With its official address at Porscheplatz 1 (or No.1 Porsche Place in English), the museum is situated right next door to the company’s headquarters and factory facilities, where the magic of making Porsche cars continues to this very day.What’s inside the Porsche Museum?The Porsche Museum is a ‘rolling’ exhibition that constantly evolves – it means that every visit is as exciting as the last. Your journey begins with an escalator ride up to the Future Heritage Portal, where you’ll meet the all-electric Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton. First revealed to the public in 1898, it is the oldest surviving design by Ferdinand Porsche and the forerunner of all electric Porsche vehicles.Next you enter the Prologue, which combines digital and analogue museum displays with interactive elements. One side focuses on Ferdinand Porsche, while the other highlights the achievements of his son, Ferry – Porsche designer and later Porsche CEO of the company – and the early days of the company.The exhibition then takes you on a chronological journey through the company’s history, showcasing the most important Porsche road cars and sportscars ever produced – from the Porsche 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster to iconic models from subsequent decades, such as the Carrera GT, 918 Spyder and just about every type of 911 imaginable.One unique feature of the exhibition is its physical layout, which is inspired by the signature left-hand positioning of the ignition key on a Porsche. Walking to the left takes you up a spiral and, by the end of your visit, you will have gained a comprehensive overview of Porsche history – from the latest models at the top of the spiral to the oldest featured at the bottom.Rare cars at the Porsche Museum The Porsche Museum has a collection of over 700 cars, including 200 race cars, of which around 95 are on display at any one time. Cars in the collection are also shipped to events all over the world, from rallies to race meetings to festivals.Among the gems currently on display is the Porsche 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster – the first car to officially bear the Porsche name when it was launched in 1948 – and many iterations of the legendary Porsche 911. You’ll also spot a 550 Spyder, famed for its race successes in the 1950s at prestigious events like the Carrera Panamericana and the Targa Florio. You’ll also be able to get up close to other greats of Porsche motorsport, like several versions of the groundbreaking Porsche 917. Of course, there are many more priceless exhibits to be found at the Porsche Museum, which is one of the top attractions for visitors to Stuttgart and the surrounding area. You’ll just have to pay it a visit to see them all.How can I visit the Porsche Museum? Planning a visit to the Porsche Museum is easy. The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm – just make sure to arrive before the ticket desk closes at 5.30pm. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays and is also closed for certain public holidays and operates amended visiting hours on other occasions. Please check the Porsche Museum website for further details. Opening hours are correct as of June 2024.How much is it to visit the Porsche Museum? The Porsche Museum costs €12 for adults. Entry is free for children under the age of 14 (admission with an accompanying adult only). It is also free for school classes and groups of students including accompanying persons, coach drivers/tour guides, persons accompanying people with disabilities (mark ‘B’ in the disability card) and journalists. A reduced admission fee is charged for certain groups including school children, students, people in a voluntary year of social service, pensioners, people with disability, job seekers, Porsche Classic Card owners and Porsche Club members.Evening tickets (available from 5pm) are also available for adults at €6. A fee of €3 is charged for evening tickets for the groups mentioned above in the reduced admission section. Group tickets (minimum 10 people) cost €10 per person. Family tickets (two adults plus children under 18) including parking fee (maximum five people) cost €28 or €16 (one adult plus children under 18) including parking fee (maximum five people). Guided tours are also available (please see the prices section of the Porsche Museum website for further information). All prices are correct as of June 2024.The Porsche Museum is at Porscheplatz 1, 70435 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: +49 711 91120911. For further information, including the opportunity to take a virtual tour, please visit www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/porschemuseum
Pump up your Porsche knowledge
More info
Continue reading
Create your own Porsche posters and wallpapers
Choose from thousands of design combinations in the Porsche Poster Studio to create your very own custom print or digital wallpaper
Read more
Download zen Porsche wallpapers from The Recharge Guide by Porsche and MICHELIN
Download background images of the breathtaking landscapes and towns of Provence, featuring the Porsche Macan with custom Michelin tyres and pro kitesurfer Rita Arnaus. And immerse yourself in serenity
Read more
The perfect last-minute Porsche road trip
There’s something special about the last-minute road trip. And with the help of Porsche and MICHELIN, you can spend more time enjoying the drive, the sights, the food and your stay
Read more