Mercedes-Benz
Museum is the number one attraction in Stuttgart in Germany and even if you are
not a car fan (like me); it is worth paying a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum
when in Stuttgart….
NUMBER ONE ATTRACTION
I
am the last person on earth one would talk to or ask about cars. I drive
a Ford, a gift from my husband and the only vehicle I own! I prefer getting
driven in my husband’s Renault Scala which takes us to places .But that is all
about my enthusiasm for cars. However, finding myself in Stuttgart, a city
in Germany known for being the birthplace of the spark plug (Bosch was
founded, and is headquartered there), I came to cherish the industrial German
city and so needless to add visited one of the best allures of the place. Located
nearby is also the Porsche Museum, one can tell that most visitors of Stuttgart
are car aficionados. Mercedes-Benz a luxury vehicle is more than just a car
brand; it’s an iconic name that has played its indispensable role in the
world’s history for the last 88 years.
THE MUSEUM
Though
the building has a very contemporary, awe inspiring design, it’s quite a solo
traveller-friendly museum. With the ticket, you get an audio self-guided tour
that is quite candid and easy to use. Naturally, the first exhibit was the very
first Mercedes-Benz creation. It’s only natural that they started with a
motorised bicycle. Mesmerized enough from the first level of the museum
(vintage 1920’s cars and all other creations) I was surprised when I saw a life
sized horse in the middle of the ‘vintage cars’ level. For those who do not
know Emil Jellinek, 1 of the 2 founders of Mercedes-Benz, named the first line
of cars after his daughter, Mercédès Adrienne Ramona Manuela Jellinek. The
name clearly stuck as this is what we all recognise and know. The building is
almost barrel shaped and has 7 levels. Starting from the top level, you cascade
as every level represents an era and decade. And along with the actual car
models of the time, there are details, clips and information shown of how
Mercedes-Benz played a role in history and events. It was very enthralling to
see the connection of Mercedes-Benz in the world’s history, most especially
during World War II. Then known as Daimler-Benz, the factory manufactured
submarines, aircraft and tank engines. As Stuttgart was then (and still is) an
industrial city that manufactured cars and rail transport technology, it was
one of the most heavily bombed cities in Germany during World War 2.
WORKING CARS
There’s
a complete level in the museum devoted to the ‘working cars’ of Mercedes-Benz.
By the way, in around Europe, there are a lot of Mercedes-Benz vehicles that
are used in the agriculture, medical, and transportation industry. In the world
of motorsports, Mercedes-Benz had its golden age from the 1920’s to 1939. From
1954-1955 it returned to the Formula One racing. From 1994-2009,
Mercedes-Benz’s participation in motorsports is only on the engine contribution
front. However since 2010, the brand has recurred to a full-constructor name in
racing. The star of the show for me was the mini race car simulator that allows
me to be behind the wheels of all the sports cars through the years. The last
level features the cars of the present and future. Trust me you don’t have to
be a car-lover to appreciate the world of Mercedes-Benz. What kindled my
interest was that a lot was the first 20 years of the company, how it started
and how it was involved during the war. It’s an alluring inside-journey to see
how Mercedes-Benz has sculpted and progressed throughout the years.
FAST FACTS
The Mercedes-Benz Museum
is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ticket desk
always closes at 5 p.m.
Reservations:
0711-17 30 000, E-mail- classic@daimler.com
Or online at www.mercedes-benz-classic.com/museum
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Mercedesstraße 100, 70372
Stuttgart, Germany
published in Statesman
