Stuttgart City Library

On January 13, 2025, my family and I arrived in Stuttgart, Germany, and immediately headed to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, only to find out that it was closed on Mondays. We then thought of visiting the Porsche Museum, which is also located in Stuttgart, but it was closed as well. So, we decided to go to the Stuttgart City Library instead, and later, we visited the zoo, which we really enjoyed.

The Stuttgart City Library (Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart) is one of the most modern and impressive libraries in Germany. It was opened in 2011 and designed by the South Korean architect Eun Young Yi.

The building is a minimalist cube standing 9 stories tall, including two underground levels. Its central space is a bright atrium that extends several floors up, creating a sense of openness and lightness. Thanks to its futuristic design and functionality, the library has become not only a cultural hub but also one of the architectural landmarks of the city.

As we entered, we were greeted by a spacious, bright hall with high ceilings. A security guard was stationed at the entrance, but admission was free, so the three of us—my wife, my son, and I—walked in without any charge. Inside, there was an elevator, as well as a wide staircase, allowing visitors to move between floors at their own pace.

Each floor is dedicated to different book genres, such as history, poetry, science, and more. I was especially impressed by the atmosphere of the library—absolute silence, comfortable reading areas, and a sense of solitude, despite the number of visitors.
I found a Goethe volume, sat in a cozy corner, and enjoyed reading a few pages. Overall, we had a great time, as I love books and especially their smell.

 

One of the most fascinating features of the library is its lighting: during the day, the space is filled with natural light, while at night, the building is illuminated in a soft blue glow, creating a stunning visual effect.

Additionally, the library features a rooftop terrace that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Stuttgart. Unfortunately, we didn’t spend much time there, but we managed to take some great photos to remember the visit.

 

This visit turned out to be an unexpected discovery for us. Instead of exploring car museums, which were closed, we immersed ourselves in a world of books, architecture, and tranquility. After the library, we headed to Wilhelma Zoo, which also left us with a lot of great impressions.