On its 5,600 square meters of exhibition space, the modern building provides space for approximately 80 historic vehicles and more than 200 carefully arranged small exhibits from the Company’s history. Spacious conference areas are available for events, including access to an impressive roof terrace. The exclusive restaurant “Christophorus” integrated into the exhibition, adds to the assortment of haute cuisine in Stuttgart. Furthermore, the museum bundles the entire historical spectrum of the sportscar manufacturer with its Historical Archive in one central location. And the experts in the glazed museum workshop will ensure that the exhibition vehicles not to mention the historic vehicles of customers are kept in impeccable condition.
The museum, designed entirely in white with its exhibition area resting on only three single supports that as a result, appears to be hovering, was regarded as a sensation in professional circles during its three-year construction period due to its bold architecture. Roman Delugan from the Viennese Architects' Practice Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, whose design won the competition in January 2005, was determined from the very start to put the museum's visitor at the very centre of things: “Architecture should not just be seen as another building, but should have an effect on the mind and body of human beings. This museum should make the Porsche cosmos a palpable reality for each person.”
The exhibition concept of the Stuttgart museum designer Professor HG Merz deliberately dispenses with the idea of a staged theme world with show effects and instead lets the sportscars speak for themselves. “Exhibits of this quality need no elaborate packaging”, stresses Professor Merz. “In Zuffenhausen they stand like sculptures in a white gallery. Against these reduced surroundings, the visitor can be alone with the vehicles and with his or her own personal feelings.”
Porsche is expecting at least 200,000 visitors per year. Even in the previous museum on the works site, which could barely accommodate 20 exhibits, 80,000 guests a year would turn up. Altogether the historic collection of Porsche AG encompasses a fleet of 400 racing and sportscars. Since almost all exhibition vehicles still take part in historic racing events, the rare items on show in the “Museum on Wheels” are constantly being changed. Apart from anything else, this make repeated visits all the more fascinating for regular guests.
The new Porsche-Museum is open daily as from the 31st January, except on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Adults pay 8 euros admission. Children up to the age of 14 get free admission when accompanied by an adult.
Below are pictures from concept to completion. Next month interior pictures.
