Music Instrument Museum, Stuttgart

The Music Instrument Museum, located in the southwestern corner of Schillerplatz in Stuttgart, is a captivating destination for tourists and music enthusiasts alike. Situated next to the Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche) with its striking twin 61m-high late Gothic towers, the museum offers a diverse and remarkable collection of historical musical instruments.

While the collection may not be as expansive as those found in major cities like Brussels, Berlin, Nuremberg, or Paris, it still stands out with its unique exhibitions. The museum provides insightful explanations about the evolution of musical instruments, including why certain Baroque instruments fell out of favor-often attributed to changes in composition practices by influential composers like Mozart, who shifted to newer, louder instruments developed during his lifetime.

The Music Instrument Museum is housed within the Fruchtkasten, also known as the House of Music. This historic building, prominently located behind the statue of Friedrich Schiller, adds a significant cultural layer to Schillerplatz. Schiller, a pivotal figure in German literature, is celebrated not only for his dramatic works but also for his impact on the musical world. Many of his plays, such as those adapted by composers like Gaetano Donizetti and Giuseppe Verdi into operas, resonate through the musical landscape.

Adjacent to the museum is the Old Palace (Altes Schloss), which has its origins as a simple defensive fort around 1330 and was later expanded into a royal residence. After being rebuilt post-World War II, it now serves as part of the Württembergisches Landesmuseum. This museum complements the musical exhibitions by offering a deep dive into the region's history from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages and features an attractive exhibit of historical scientific instruments and ornate clocks in its basement.