New State Gallery, Stuttgart

The State Gallery (Staatsgalerie) is a prominent art museum located in Stuttgart. Established in 1843, the museum underwent a significant transformation with the opening of the New State Gallery (Neue Staatsgalerie ) in 1984, designed by renowned architect James Stirling. This addition propelled the gallery to the forefront of European art museums, showcasing its bold and innovative architectural style.

Originally housed in a classicist building from 1843, the Old State Gallery was not only a museum but also the home of the Royal Art School. This structure suffered considerable damage during World War II but was reconstructed between 1945 and 1947, reopening in 1958. It now exhibits a vast collection including Old German paintings from 1300–1550, Italian paintings from 1300–1800, Dutch paintings from 1500–1700, German baroque paintings, and art from 1800–1900, featuring movements such as Romanticism and Impressionism.

Adjacent to this historical structure, the New State Gallery, which opened on March 9, 1984, offers a stark contrast with its contemporary design, which initially received mixed reviews. Criticized by some for its unorthodox appearance and praised by others for its ingenious reinterpretation of architectural norms, the design includes a series of galleries surrounding a central rotunda. Unlike the symmetrical front of Schinkel's Altes Museum, which it echoes, the New State Gallery features an asymmetrical façade with a slanted entrance.

The New State Gallery hosts an impressive array of 20th-century modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Oskar Schlemmer, Joan Miró, and Joseph Beuys. Its layout integrates a pedestrian walkway that cuts diagonally across the property, enhancing accessibility while maintaining building security. Over time, the gallery has gained recognition as a successful public institution and an exemplar of how contemporary architectural design can breathe new life into cultural landmarks.