The myth of Solitude –  the race track

The focus is on what connects everyone – what inspires everyone. As the StadtPalais – Museum for Stuttgart is where the history of the city, the urban present is lived and the future is discussed, this is the right place to tell the exciting episodes of the Stuttgart Solitude races. The eventful, breathtaking past should not be forgotten and should be revived in an exhibition. With this aim in mind, VISUELL is developing a concept that reflects the history of the Solitude races, which is characterised by emotion and sentimental value. In just one room in the StadtPalais Stuttgart, this is condensed and told.

The first milestone is the >Zuverlässigkeits­prüffahrt< for motorbikes from West­bahnhof to Schloss Solitude in 1903, organised by the German Motor­cyclists’ Association in Stuttgart. These hill climbs develop into the Solitude circuit races with a festive ceremony. The competitions at Solitude soon become the annual event highlight in Stuttgart. The Dutchman Piet Nortier, President of the Motorcycle World Federation, describes it as the most beautiful motorbike race track in the world. The world’s best riders such as Joakim Bonnier, Graf Berge von Trips and Dan Gurney as well as local greats such as Hans Herrmann, Eberhard Mahle and Gerhard Mitter ride here and achieve considerable success. Unexpectedly, after 62 years of racing history, the last race takes place on a rainy grey day in 1965. 

The emotions of these legendary races cannot be conveyed via a timeline. We need excitement, dynamism, action and smell to fill the space and captivate visitors of all ages. 

The Solitude circuit is 11.5 km long. The space is 9 x 15 m². Too small? No. Creativity, a look back at your own childhood and a suitable scale are all you need. We are building a slot car racetrack modelled on the Solitude racetrack. This centrepiece of the exhibition is being created with the kind support of Carrera. Visitors can experience the track for themselves and familiarise themselves with the individual sections. The sometimes easy, sometimes tricky bends, the fast-paced straights become gripping challenges and allow visitors to feel the excitement that was present at Solitude over 56 years ago. The six vintage slot cars enhance the nostalgic experience. A Formula I racing car from the time, a Porsche 804 (builtin 1962), and a BMW R 68 (builtin 1952) motorbike team must not be missing from this exhibition in order to capture reality and authenticity. Viewers can experience these vehicles in real size and get a sense of their dimensions, power and volume. Original exhibits, racing suits, helmets, trophies etc. of the former racing drivers Eberhard Mahle, Hans Herrmann and Gerhard Mitter, who all achieved their unforgettable successes at Solitude, are displayed in three showcases. Not only racing drivers but also visitors to the races have been collecting valuable treasures for years. In an additional display case, collector’s items such as old tickets, plaques, pennants, programme booklets and much more show their view of the events. In this project, we are telling an extensive story from not so long ago, making it tangible and bringing it to life through a well-rounded spatial concept. We bring back memories for those involved at the time. For families, young people, motorsport enthusiasts, people who are interested in the city’s history and many more, we arouse interest, emotions and sporting competition with the interactive exhibition concept.