Wilhelma
In its own language: Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten Stuttgart
A Moorish-style zoo and botanical garden in Stuttgart, Germany
Wilhelma is a combined zoo and botanical garden in Stuttgart, Germany, known for its Moorish Revival architecture and large collections of animals and plants. Visitors find over 11,500 animals from 1,200 species and about 6,000 plant species from various climates, all set within historic palace grounds.
- Combines a zoo and botanical garden on historic palace grounds
- Features Moorish Revival architecture inspired by the Alhambra
- Houses over 11,500 animals and 6,000 plant species
- Open to the public since 1919
- Major tourist attraction in Stuttgart, Germany
What is Wilhelma?
Wilhelma is both a zoo and a botanical garden, covering about 30 hectares in Stuttgart's Bad Cannstatt district. Its grounds feature a historic palace and buildings in Moorish Revival style, inspired by the Alhambra. Visitors can explore themed animal enclosures, greenhouses, and landscaped gardens. The garden displays around 6,000 plant species from different climates, while the zoo is home to over 11,500 animals representing about 1,200 species. The site blends architectural heritage with living collections, making it a major attraction for plant and animal lovers.
The history of Wilhelma
Wilhelma began as a royal bathhouse project for Duke William I of Württemberg in the early 19th century, designed in the Moorish style. The site evolved into a summer residence and later expanded with greenhouses and gardens. After the monarchy ended in 1918, Wilhelma became public property and opened as a botanical garden in 1919. Animal exhibits were added from 1951 onward, gradually transforming it into a combined zoo and garden. Over time, the site expanded and restored its historic buildings, especially after damage in World War II.
What there is to see
Wilhelma's gardens are laid out around the former palace and feature greenhouses, outdoor beds, and themed plantings. The plant collection includes species from tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. The zoo is divided into areas for mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic life, with specialized houses for elephants, apes, and other animals. The grounds are maintained year-round, with seasonal displays and ongoing renovations to improve animal habitats and visitor facilities.
When to go
Wilhelma is open to the public throughout the year and is a popular destination for families, tourists, and school groups. Visitors can see a wide range of animals and explore diverse plant collections. The garden also hosts special exhibitions and educational programs. Its historic architecture and landscaped grounds make it a place for leisure, learning, and appreciation of both natural and cultural heritage.
Parts and collections
Wilhelma's collections have grown to include specialized houses such as the Amazon House, Crocodile Hall, and various aviaries. The zoo has notable breeding programs for giraffes, okapi, and apes. The plant collection is diverse, with greenhouses dedicated to orchids and other tropical plants. The site also features themed animal exhibits, such as African plains and Indian jungle areas.
Why Wilhelma matters
Wilhelma is a landmark of Stuttgart and one of Germany's most visited zoological and botanical gardens. Its Moorish Revival architecture is unique in the region. The garden has played host to major events, such as the Imperial Garden Show of 1939, and continues to be a center for conservation, education, and recreation. Wilhelma is recognized for its role in breeding rare species and for its historic and architectural significance.
Questions people ask about Wilhelma
What is Wilhelma?
Wilhelma is a combined zoo and botanical garden in Stuttgart, Germany, known for its Moorish Revival architecture and large collections of animals and plants. It is located in the Bad Cannstatt district.
When was Wilhelma opened to the public?
Wilhelma was opened as a botanical garden in 1919, and animal exhibits were added starting in 1951, making it a combined zoo and garden.
What can visitors see at Wilhelma?
Visitors can explore historic palace buildings, themed animal enclosures with over 11,500 animals, and gardens displaying about 6,000 plant species from various climates.
Why is Wilhelma architecturally significant?
Wilhelma is notable for its Moorish Revival style, inspired by the Alhambra in Spain, making its buildings unique among German zoos and gardens.
Is Wilhelma open all year?
Yes, Wilhelma is open to visitors throughout the year, offering seasonal plant displays and ongoing animal exhibits.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Wilhelma", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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