Linden Museum, Stuttgart

The Linden Museum in Stuttgart is a prominent ethnological museum that showcases a vast array of cultural artifacts from around the globe. It features collections from South and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Islamic world (spanning from the Near East to Pakistan), East Asia (including China and Japan), as well as North and Latin America, and Oceania.

The museum has historical roots dating back to the 19th century, originating from the collections gathered by the Association for Trade Geography (Verein für Handelsgeographie). It was named after Karl Graf von Linden, a pivotal figure in the museum's history who played a significant role in expanding and organizing the collection. Notably, he engaged influential explorers like Sven Hedin and Roald Amundsen, who contributed to the museum's prominence.

Established as a private museum in 1911 in its current building, the Linden Museum faced significant challenges, including extensive damage during World War II. The museum was restored in the 1950s, and since 1973, it has been under the joint administration of the city of Stuttgart and the state of Baden-Württemberg.

Today, the Linden Museum holds approximately 160,000 objects ranging from everyday utensils to internationally acclaimed artifacts. Its permanent exhibitions such as "Islamic Orient," "South and Southeast Asia," "East Asia," "Where is Africa?" and "Oceania - Continent of Islands" provide comprehensive insights into the art, culture, and daily lives of various non-European societies. Highlights include a Tibetan altar room, a Japanese teahouse, an Afghan bazaar street, and a carved Maori meeting house.

The museum is committed to preserving humanity's cultural memory, enhancing understanding of cultural dynamics in a globalized world, and fostering dialogue and encounters among different cultures. Through its extensive collections and exhibitions, the Linden Museum serves as a vital platform for cultural education and international understanding.