The Museum Stammheim – Museum für Militär- und Zeitgeschichte (Stammheim Military and Contemporary History Museum) is located in Stammheim, a district of Zuffenhausen, in Stuttgart, Germany. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of military technology and the significant events of the 20th century, particularly focusing on the two World Wars, the Cold War, and the German post-war period.
Museum Stammheim
Museum Militaer- und Zeitgeschichte
97509 Stammheim/Gde. Kolitzheim
+49 9381 9255
February 15 – October
- Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| HA-MHQ
23+59 DE+175 | Antonov An-2R
Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21U-600 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak |
Key Attractions and Exhibits
- Military History
- The Museum Stammheim highlights the evolution of military equipment from the First World War to the Cold War era.
- Exhibits include tanks, artillery, uniforms, and weapons, providing insights into how military strategies, technologies, and personal experiences evolved over time.
- A large section is dedicated to German military history, especially the period of the Third Reich and the Wehrmacht during World War II.
- Cold War and Post-War Germany
- The museum offers a deep dive into the Cold War, with displays focused on the East-West divide, the Berlin Wall, and the NATO vs. Warsaw Pact dynamics.
- Exhibits explore how the geopolitical tension influenced the German military, including the Bundeswehr (West Germany’s military) and its role during the Cold War.
- The museum also addresses the post-war period and the reconstruction of Germany after WWII, providing context for the rise of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).
- Military Vehicles and Equipment
- A significant portion of the museum’s collection is devoted to military vehicles, including armored cars, military trucks, tanks, and artillery pieces.
- Notable items include a restored Leopard tank and various vehicles from the post-World War II era, as well as military technology from the Cold War period.
- Historical Documents and Artifacts
- The Museum Stammheim showcases a variety of historical documents, photographs, and personal items that tell the stories of soldiers, civilians, and political figures from wartime and post-war Germany.
- Uniforms, medals, and personal letters provide an intimate look into the lives of people during these turbulent times.
- Dioramas and Interactive Displays
- Dioramas depict military scenes, including battlefield moments, tactical maneuvers, and wartime operations.
- Interactive exhibits offer opportunities to explore various military technologies, including radio equipment, communication devices, and radar systems.
- Focus on Technology and Innovation
- The museum also delves into military technological advancements, including innovations in aviation, missile systems, and nuclear weapons during the Cold War.
- Displays demonstrate the technological arms race between East and West during the 20th century.
Visitor Experience
- Educational Programs: The Museum Stammheim offers guided tours and educational programs for schools and history enthusiasts, making it an excellent resource for learning about military history and contemporary conflicts.
- Commemorative Exhibits: The museum provides a commemorative atmosphere, recognizing the sacrifices of individuals and the impact of military conflict on civilian life.
Special Events
- Historical Lectures: The Museum Stammheim organizes talks and presentations by historians and military experts on a variety of topics related to military history.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Changing exhibitions often focus on specific military events, anniversaries, or particular technologies in military history.
The Museum Stammheim displays over 250 wheeled, tracked and airborne vehicles from the 19th and 20th centuries on an exhibition area of around 17,000 square metres. The main focus of the exhibition is military technology from the two world wars and the divided Germany. In addition to German military technology, Russian and US military technology is on display. A bunker complex with a trench was faithfully reconstructed from the First World War. There are also civilian exhibits of contemporary history, such as an old village blacksmith’s shop, historical fire fighting equipment and a rural kitchen from the 19th century.