The focus is on what unites us all – what inspires us all. As the StadtPalais – Museum für Stuttgart is a place where the city’s history is explored, the urban present is experienced and the future is discussed, this is the perfect venue to recount the thrilling episodes of the Stuttgart Solitude Races. This eventful, breathtaking past must not be forgotten and should be brought back to life in an exhibition. With this aim in mind, VISUELL is developing a concept that captures the history of the Solitude races, characterised by emotion and sentimental value. In just one room at the StadtPalais Stuttgart, this history is condensed and told.
The first milestone is the 1903 ‘reliability test’ for motorcycles from Westbahnhof to Solitude Palace, organised by the German Motorcyclists’ Association in Stuttgart. These mountain races gave rise to the Solitude circuit races, complete with a ceremonial celebration. The competitions at Solitude soon became the annual highlight of the event calendar in Stuttgart. The Dutchman Piet Nortier, President of the International Motorcycling Federation, describes it as the most beautiful motorbike racing circuit in the world. Here, the world’s best riders, such as Joakim Bonnier, Count Berge von Trips and Dan Gurney, as well as local greats like Hans Herrmann, Eberhard Mahle and Gerhard Mitter, compete and achieve remarkable successes. Unexpectedly, after 62 years of racing history, the final race takes place on a rainy, grey day in 1965.
The emotions of these legendary races cannot be conveyed through a timeline. Weneed the excitement, dynamism, action and smells that fill the room and captivate visitors of all ages.
The Solitude circuit is 11.5 km long. The space measures 9 x 15 m². Too small? No! Creativity, a glimpse into one’s own childhood and a suitable scale are all that’s needed. We are building a slot car racetrack modelled on the Solitude circuit. With the kind support of Carrera, this centrepiece of the exhibition is taking shape. Visitors can experience the track for themselves, getting to know the individual sections of the circuit. The curves—some gentle, some tricky—and the fast straights become thrilling challenges, allowing visitors to feel the excitement that hung over Solitude over 56 years ago. The six vintage slot cars enhance the nostalgic atmosphere. A period Formula 1 racing car, a Porsche 804 (built in 1962), and a BMW R 68 motorcycle sidecar (built in 1952) are essential to this exhibition to capture the reality and authenticity. Visitors can experience these vehicles in real size, gaining a sense of their dimensions, power and noise. Three display cases showcase original exhibits, racing suits, helmets, trophies and more belonging to former racing drivers Eberhard Mahle, Hans Herrmann and Gerhard Mitter, all of whom achieved unforgettable successes at Solitude. It is not only the racing drivers but also visitors to the races who have collected valuable treasures over the years. In an additional display case, collector’s items such as old admission tickets, badges, pennants, programmes and much more offer their perspective on the events. In this project, we tell a comprehensive story from the not-too-distant past, making it tangible and experiential through a well-rounded spatial concept. For those who were involved back then, we bring back memories. For families, young people, motorsport enthusiasts, those interested in the city’s history, and many more, we spark interest, emotions and a competitive spirit through the interactive exhibition concept.
“The exhibition was a resounding success of which we are very proud. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who played an active part in achieving this fantastic result! From the very beginning, it was a constructive and trusting collaboration that we, the exhibition’s curators, greatly appreciated.”
Claus-Henning Guthard | Tobias Aichele | Hans-Joachim Ogger
Curators
