Theodor Heuss House

Located on the scenic Killesberg hill in Stuttgart, the Theodor Heuss House offers a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Germany’s most influential political figures. Once the private residence of West Germany’s first Federal President, Theodor Heuss, the house now serves as a vibrant place of remembrance and political education.

Experience the Museum

Permanent & Special Exhibitions

At the heart of our museum is "Democracy as a Way of Life." Our exhibition on Germany’s first democratic post-war president and his wife is more than just a collection of dates; it’s an intimate look at the public legacy and private world of Theodor Heuss and Elly Heuss-Knapp. You’ll walk through the formative years of the German constitution and see how Heuss’s intellectual rigor helped rebuild democracy after years of war and dictatorship.

By blending historical artifacts with interactive media, we connect the challenges of the past to the democratic questions we’re all asking today. With our temporary exhibitions, there’s always a fresh perspective waiting for you.

Guided Tours

To truly unlock the secrets of the house, join us for a guided tour through the meticulously preserved living quarters. Walking through these rooms, you’ll catch the distinct atmosphere of the early 1950s.

Our guides don’t just recite facts, they share the personal anecdotes and hidden stories behind the objects on display. It’s a chance to see the early years of the Federal Republic come to life, transforming the house into a stage where post-war history and the personal warmth of the Heuss family become tangible.

Public Events

The Theodor Heuss House is more than a monument; it’s a living forum for conversation. We host a regular schedule of lectures, panel discussions, and workshops that bridge the gap between past and present.

Whether you’re here for a talk by a renowned historian or a hands-on workshop on civic engagement, you’re part of a community of curious minds.

Information on your visit

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
We are also open on public holidays.

Admission Fees

A self-guided tour of the living quarters (without a media guide) is free of charge for everyone.

Entry to our exhibitions: €2 for adults (including audio guide)

Free admission for children, young people under 18, school groups and Bonuscard holders.

Directions to the Theodor Heuss Haus

Further Information

On our institution

Theodor Heuss

(*1884 in Brackenheim; † 1963 in Stuttgart) was the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1949 to 1959. Initially working as a journalist and later as a university lecturer, Heuss became a social liberal Member of Parliament in the interwar period, but lost his posts at the beginning of the Nazi dictatorship in 1933.

After the Second World War, Heuss was committed to the democratic reconstruction of Germany, co-authoring the 1949 Basic Law, which still serves as Germany’s constitution today.

As West Germany's first head of state after the Nazi regime, he advocated promoting democracy, keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive and reconciling with Germany’s European neighbours. To this day, Theodor Heuss remains one of the outstanding representatives of social liberalism in Germany.

The Foundation

The Federal President Theodor Heuss House Foundation (Stiftung Bundespräsident-Theodor-Heuss-Haus) is a German non-partisan public institution dealing with the past and present of liberal democracy. Dedicated to Theodor Heuss’ legacy, the foundation maintains the Theodor Heuss House and conducts research into contemporary history and political education.

The foundation was established on May 27, 1994 by Germany’s federal parliament, the Bundestag, as a non-partisan foundation under public law and opened on November 19, 1996. It is funded by the German Federal Government.