Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel is one of Stuttgart’s greatest sons and one of the most important philosophers of the 19th century. Located in the heart of Stuttgart, the Museum Hegel-Haus is a relic of a bygone age imbued with the spirit of the famous German philosopher. It is both the only museum devoted to Hegel and the birthplace of the great thinker.
Originally built in the Late Middle Ages, the museum extends over three floors of the listed building. Exhibitions and events are held regularly in the basement.
This authentic location offers a diverse range of innovative exhibits which offer visitors tangible insights into Hegel’s complex personality and the various stages of his life’s journey.
Special prize for the Museum Hegel-Haus in Stuttgart
In 2021, the Baden-Württemberg Lotto Award was bestowed on the Museum Hegel-Haus for its outstanding efforts to bring philosophy closer to a young target audience, showing that Hegel is still relevant to our modern times and how enjoyable it is to engage with modern theories and current hypotheses.
Impressions of the Museum Hegel-Haus
Hegel-Haus permanent exhibition by Julia OchsMuseum Hegel-Haus
The Hegel-Haus Museum is a beautiful old building that has been renovated. It also has a basement where you can see various exhibitions and where sometimes different events take place.
Hegel-cellar by Julia OchsMuseum Hegel-Haus
Hegel-Haus permanent exhibition by Julia OchsMuseum Hegel-Haus
Permanent Exhibtion ‘Hegel’s Life and Work’
The permanent exhibition ‘Hegel’s Life and Work’ on the two upper floors of the museum is devoted Hegel’s person and to his work and its immense impact.
Exhibits and interactive stations illustrate the central ideas of Hegelian philosophy. Visitors can follow the stages of Hegel’s life journey and discover ever new facets of one of Stuttgart’s most famous sons.
A particular focus of the permanent exhibition is Hegel’s oeuvre and its extraordinary impact on subsequent generations of thinkers and the history of philosophy in general.
Exhibits and multimedia stations illustrate the main canons of Hegelian philosophy and provide visitors with an in-depth insight into the thoughts of the great philosopher.
In view of the numerous international visitors to the museum, the permanent exhibition is offered in three languages (German, English, Chinese).
Bust of Hegel by Ludwig Wichmann 1826
The bust depicts the middle-aged philosopher without clothing. His face is turned slightly to the side and is represented in a naturalistic way. A signature on the back points to the Berlin artist Ludwig Wilhelm Wichmann.
A coin with Hegel's portrait
The obverse of the coin is showing the portrait of Hegel by Ludwig Held based on a design by Friedrich Drake, 1830.
The reverse of the coin with an allegorical depiction of the reconciliation of faith and knowledge by Ludwig Held based on a design by Friedrich Drake, 1830.
Hegel´s beret between 1825 and 1830
The formal dress worn by university doctors and professors included besides the gown also the beret. This flat, cap-shaped headgear was worn not only by members of the university faculty but also in court and by clergymen.
Hegel-Haus multimedia adventure by Julia OchsMuseum Hegel-Haus
Multimedia Installation ‘Hegel for Beginners’
A visit to the museum begins on the ground floor with the multimedia installation ‘Hegel for Beginners’, which uses floor-to-ceiling projections and advanced 3D technology to blur the boundaries between multimedia and reality.
By means of visually stunning scenes and life-size narrators such as the actor Walter Sittler, visitors are immersed in Hegel’s biography and philosophy – and themselves become part of the installation.
Lasting some 18 minutes, the Hegel for Beginners multimedia installation on the ground floor introduces visitors to the Museum Hegel-Haus, inviting them to enjoy a special sensory experience.
Hegel-Haus Escape Room by Julia OchsMuseum Hegel-Haus
Escape Room ‘The Phenomenology of Spirit’
The escape room ‘The Phenomenology of Spirit’ offers an extraordinary form of mediation which is employed here for the first time in a museum setting. Visitors immerse themselves in a playful way in the lifeworld of the great philosopher.
The players travel back to Hegel's time at Jena University. Where the philosopher has just completed a new book called the “Phenomenology of the Spirit” and is pondering on whether or not to publish the manuscript.
The visitors’ mission is to make sure that it is. In the middle of the night, they break into the philosopher’s study. But do they succeed in removing the manuscript and in ensuring that the book is printed?
A group of up to five players have to sneak into Hegel’s study ‘in the dead of night’ and solve tricky puzzles. But watch out – you must not wake the philosopher asleep next door!
