The Alte Staatsgalerie

About this place

The original building of the Baden-Württemberg state art gallery, completed in the mid nineteenth century in a neoclassical style, holding the historic collection from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century. What makes the site important is what was built beside it later: in 1984 the Neue Staatsgalerie opened directly adjoining it, designed by the British architect James Stirling, and became one of the best-known postmodern buildings in the world. The two stand side by side, one sober and classical, the other coloured and released from the rules of symmetry. That juxtaposition is the architectural lesson: Stirling's building neither imitates its neighbour nor ignores it, but quotes its elements — the circular court, the stone, the columns — and reassembles them with a light irony. This was a contested position at the time and later became a reference point. The collection in the old building is strong in German, Italian and Dutch Old Master painting, including works by Cranach, Rembrandt and Rubens. Practical points: the ticket usually covers both buildings. It closes one day a week, and reduced-entry days may be offered.