Schweinemuseum (Pig Museum), Stuttgart

The Pig Museum (Schweinemuseum) in Stuttgart offers a unique and extensive exploration of pigs through both art and cultural history, making it the largest pig museum in the world. Founded and managed by Erika Wilhelmer, a notable Stuttgart restaurateur, this privately-run institution first opened in 1989 in Bad Wimpfen before relocating to Stuttgart in 2010. The museum is now housed in a historical Art Nouveau building, formerly the administrative office of a slaughterhouse, designed by Albert Pantle and constructed in 1912.

Spanning approximately 800 square meters and two floors, the museum showcases over 50,000 exhibits within its 27 themed rooms, plus additional spaces for special exhibitions. The thematic rooms cover a diverse range of topics related to pigs, including their zoological aspects, their roles in mythology and symbolism, and their appearances in various forms of art and everyday objects. Exhibits feature an array of materials such as plush, wood, ceramic, and cork, and items ranging from paintings and pottery to more whimsical objects like pig-themed ties and briefcases.

Erika Wilhelmer runs the museum alongside her son, Michael Wilhelmer, who is also a key figure in local gastronomy. The museum’s setting in the old slaughterhouse complex adds a layer of historical context to its exhibitions, which collectively highlight the pig’s contradictory symbolism in culture: from representations of luck and prosperity to associations with excess and folly.

The museum’s collection and exhibitions aim to portray the pig not just as an animal, but as a significant cultural and artistic icon that has influenced human society for over 9,000 years. This globally unique museum promises a comprehensive and colorful insight into the multifaceted world of pigs, celebrating their impact on both history and art.