The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, chronicles the evolution of both the iconic automaker and the broader automotive industry through an impressive collection of vintage and contemporary vehicles.
The museum rises from Stuttgart’s landscape like stacked, interwoven race tracks, challenging passersby to explore its innovative design. Dutch architectural firm UNStudio, under Ben van Berkel’s leadership, created this masterpiece of contemporary architecture to reflect both the brand’s heritage and its forward-thinking vision. The exterior’s smooth, flowing curves mirror the aerodynamic designs of Mercedes-Benz vehicles while breaking free from traditional architectural constraints. These organic shapes blend seamlessly with Stuttgart’s urban setting, with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that extend the museum experience beyond its walls.
In a wild twist, the exterior may be the most mundane part of the museum. Once you enter, you are immediately transported to another world. Willy Wonka style elevators “float” visitors to over 8 floors of natural light filled exhibits, illuminating the museum’s interior and creating an inviting atmosphere for exploration, while spiral ramps lead visitors through, what can be explained as, a walking timeline that’s a fluid, continuous journey where vintage automobiles share space with modern design elements.
Each area of the building serves as a carefully considered metaphor for the company’s journey, from its pioneering beginnings to its current position at the forefront of automotive technology.
Legacy Lives Here
As you step onto the first exhibit floor, you’re greeted by a striking white horse, a powerful symbol honoring Emil Jellinek’s pivotal role in the company’s early history. This elegant tribute captures both Jellinek’s personal affinity for horses and his lasting influence on the iconic brand’s development.
Just beyond the horse and through the corridor, visitors explore the rich legacy of Karl Benz’s 1886 invention through engaging exhibits that stitch technological advancement, social progress, and popular culture together. The museum showcases more than 160 meticulously preserved vehicles. See everything from pioneering automobiles to sleek racing legends and forward-thinking concept cars, including an impressive replica of the first ever Mercedes Benz, a three-wheeled Patent-Motorwagen built by Karl Benz.
Interactive displays and thoughtfully curated artifacts complement these mechanical masterpieces across 16,500 square meters of exhibition space. Each of the twelve distinct rooms tells part of the Mercedes-Benz story through two unique perspectives: the “Legend” tour chronicles the brand’s evolution chronologically, while the “Collection” route groups vehicles by type and purpose.
The museum transforms the traditional automotive display into an immersive journey through time. Vintage photographs, period advertisements, and cultural artifacts provide rich context for each vehicle. Visitors discover how Mercedes-Benz cars both shaped and reflected the changing face of society across three centuries.
The exhibits highlight not just technological milestones but also show how automobiles influenced fashion, architecture, and daily life. Through careful storytelling and dynamic presentations, the museum celebrates both the precision of German engineering and the human spirit of innovation that drives it forward. What could have easily been presented as a collection of cars is really a journey through time.
The Collection
Starting with the origins of the brand, the museum introduces visitors to the Benz Patent-Motorwagen (1886), the world’s first true automobile. This groundbreaking vehicle, designed by Karl Benz, is often considered the birth of modern automotive history. It was a simple, three-wheeled car powered by a single-cylinder engine, yet it set the stage for the automotive revolution that would follow. Adjacent to it, the Daimler-Maybach 8 hp (1890) is displayed, offering a glimpse into the technological advances made by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. This early automobile featured a high-speed engine, a precursor to the more sophisticated powertrains that would shape the future.
The journey continues with the early 20th century models, such as the Mercedes 35 HP (1901), a revolutionary car that bore the Mercedes name for the first time. Developed by Daimler and Maybach, this car was the first to blend power, design, and engineering in a way that defined modern automobiles.
Right next to it stands the Mercedes Simplex 40/45 HP (1902), a model that pushed the boundaries further with its larger engine and advanced design. These vehicles were the foundation of what would become a legendary brand, introducing innovations that still influence car design today.
As you descend through the museum, you are greeted by the luxury and racing cars of the 1920s and 1930s. The Mercedes-Benz SSK (1928) is one of the most iconic cars of this era. A racing and luxury vehicle in one, the SSK was adored by wealthy elites and famous drivers alike. Its powerful engine and sleek design made it a symbol of both speed and prestige. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz 540K (1936) stands as a testament to the elegance of pre-war automotive engineering. Known for its supercharged engine and high performance, the 540K was the epitome of luxury, often seen in the hands of royalty and heads of state.
The museum also showcases the Mercedes-Benz 770K (1938), a car that embodied power and exclusivity during the pre-war years. Known as the “Großer Mercedes,” it was used by political leaders and royals, marking it as a symbol of status. As the world moved into the post-war era, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1952) became an iconic figure, not just for its innovative gullwing doors, but for its performance on the racetrack and in the hands of luxury car buyers. This model, along with the Mercedes-Benz 600 (1963), epitomized Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the luxury car market, with the 600 being the vehicle of choice for celebrities and heads of state.
Racing enthusiasts will find much to admire in the museum’s display of legendary Silver Arrows, the racing cars that dominated Grand Prix racing in the 1930s. The Mercedes-Benz W196 (1954) is particularly notable for its success in Formula 1, driven by Juan Manuel Fangio, one of the sport’s greatest drivers. Fast forward to the 1980s, and the Mercedes-Benz Sauber C9 (1989) takes center stage. This modern race car won several endurance races, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In the later years, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has represented the pinnacle of luxury and technology. The museum displays several versions of this flagship model, illustrating the evolution of comfort, performance, and safety in the luxury sedan segment. Visitors can also witness the future of automotive design with the Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion (2015), a self-driving concept car that offers a glimpse into the future of transportation.
The museum doesn’t stop at the past, it embraces the future of Mercedes-Benz as well. The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS(2020) represents the brand’s commitment to electric mobility, combining luxury with cutting-edge electric technology. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR (2020), inspired by the film Avatar, explores sustainable, autonomous transportation. It’s a car that not only looks to the future but challenges the very way we think about vehicles.
Finally, as you exit the museum, you are confronted with the T80, a car so elusive and groundbreaking that it feels like a prized stag mounted on the wall. This experimental car was intended to break the world speed record, and its sheer audacity and engineering make it a fitting end to a museum journey that spans over 130 years of automotive history. The T80 has still yet to be driven.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is a place where history, luxury, and performance converge. Whether you are a fan of vintage cars, racing legends, or futuristic technology, there is something here to captivate every visitor. It is a journey through time, where each floor tells a new chapter in the story of one of the most innovative car manufacturers in the world.
For Those Who Can’t Get Enough
Spending time in Stuttgart? The Mercedes Museum isn’t the only car museum in town, the Porsche Museum is just a twenty minute drive and is certainly worth a visit.
Copenhagen boasts a massive car collection, which is home to more exciting Mercedes models amongst a wide variety of other classic and supercars. The Copenhagen Car House is thoughtfully laid out and has the best gift shop, for those looking to walk away with a classic car of their own. For Mercedes fans in the UK, Mercedes-Benz World has an impressive collection in Surrey. The collection and displays are great for both kids and adults. This location includes a driving experience as well as a well curated shop and cafe.
[Written January 2025]
Cover photo: Lana Katsaros
