Open call for exhibitions in the main gallery space for the years 2027 and 2028

The Kunstgebäude Stuttgart is an architecturally distinctive building with a rich history, centrally located on Schlossplatz in the state capital. The site was previously home to the so-called "Neues Lusthaus" (New Pleasure House) of the Württemberg Dukes, built between 1584 and 1593 by court architect Georg Beer under Duke Ludwig. Renovations in 1811 and 1845 adapted the building for use as the Royal Court Theatre. Following a fire in 1902, it was rebuilt to designs by Theodor Fischer and reopened on 8 May 1913.
After a comprehensive renovation completed in spring 2024, the building is once again open to the public for exhibitions and events. The State of Baden-Württemberg is offering institutions, artists, and artist groups the opportunity to temporarily use the large gallery room on the 1st floor of the Kunstgebäude as an exhibition space. The aim is to provide a professional presentation environment for a rotating range of artistic positions and forms of expression. Interested institutions and artists are invited to apply for use of the space (183 m²).
Application procedure
Applications should be sent to the operator of the Kunstgebäude:
- Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
- Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 30-32
- 70173 Stuttgart
The decision on applications will be made by the curatorial director of the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart.
Period and Availability
The duration of each exhibition can range flexibly between 2 weeks and 2 months. The following periods are already reserved by the Stuttgarter Künstlerbund and the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart:
- 01.01.2027 – 30.06.2027
- 01.01.2028 – 30.06.2028
The remaining free periods are available for further programming.
Use of the Space
The exhibition space may be used for various formats, for example:
- Fine art
- Installations
- Performance formats (taking into account background noise from the adjacent gastronomy)
- Media and spatial art
- Project-based work
Usage Requirements
- Group exhibitions only – applications from individual artists are not permitted.
- No sale of artworks may take place during the exhibition.
- No admission fee may be charged.
- Security during opening hours is the responsibility of the exhibitor.
- Due to the open architecture towards the gastronomy area, formats that produce loud sounds are not possible.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-17:00; Thursday until 20:00. Deviating opening hours must be agreed with the operator.
- The exhibitor is liable for all damage caused by themselves or their visitors.
- The exhibitor must provide proof of liability insurance before the start of use.
- The exhibitor must strictly adhere to the house rules, which will be handed over before the start of use.
Exhibition Room
The exhibition room has a total area of approximately 183 m². Wall dimensions of the hanging areas (W × H):
- I: 4,30 m x 3,10 m
- II: 22,00 m x 3,10 m
- III: 4,80 m x 3,10 m
- IV: 1,30 m x 3,10 m
- V: 4,80 m x 3,10 m
- VI: 17,80 m x 3,10 m
- VII: keine Hängefläche, da offener Bereich zur Gastronomie
- VIII: 1,60 m x 3,10 m
Ceiling height: 3,50 m
Submission documents
- Short biographies (max. 1 page)
- Project description / exhibition concept
- Portfolio or image material (max. 10 work samples)
- Desired time periods (with alternative dates)
- Technical requirements or special needs
Application deadlines
- For 2027: 01 June 2026
- For 2028: 03 May 2027
Selection Process
Decisions will be made considering the diversity of formats, themes, innovation, and means of expression, with a focus on quality. All applicants will be notified of the decision in writing.
Costs
The rooms are provided by the State of Baden-Württemberg free of rent and operating costs (electricity, water, and heating).
Exhibition-related costs and the cost of ongoing cleaning of the exhibition space are borne by the exhibitor.
Further information
Additional details on room dimensions, equipment, and usage options are available to applicants upon request.