Spaces
Community engagement needs spaces. Initiatives and organisations need places to meet, network and organise events.
In Stuttgart, there are various options for using spaces – for example, in community centres, meeting places, sports halls, facilities run by independent organisations, or temporarily available spaces. Here you’ll find overviews of spaces in Stuttgart, information on financial support for spaces, and ideas for designing spaces for community engagement.
Urban spaces
Almost all of Stuttgart’s districts have community centres, community meeting places and social venues. These can be used free of charge by many groups, including on a regular basis, provided that no admission fees, course fees or similar charges are levied. The contact persons listed there will be happy to help you find a suitable venue, find out about its facilities and check the rates.
An overview containing information and links to the individual community centres, community meeting places and social centres can be found on the website of the State Capital of Stuttgart:
Clubs and initiatives in Stuttgart can apply once a year for a grant towards the hire of municipal premises. To be eligible, the event must be a public event organised by a non-profit organisation based in Stuttgart. The event should contribute to ‘revitalising the district or neighbourhood’. An admission charge may be levied, and food and drink may be served. You can submit your application directly to the venue booking service.
Outdoor spaces for physical activity
There are just under 300 public spaces for physical activity in Stuttgart. These include, for example, active playgrounds, areas with table tennis tables, football pitches and other places for outdoor exercise.
Municipal sports halls
You can enquire about available slots in municipal sports halls for sports activities, training sessions or one-off events. The Department for Sport and Physical Activity and the School Administration Office can assist with any queries regarding training times and the use of the halls.
Premises run by other organisations
Venues run by independent organisations, church parishes and other organisations are also available. The options vary depending on the location, facilities and intended use.
Here are some umbrella websites where you can find venues:
Temporary Use & Pop-up Spaces
Are you looking for a space for temporary use, a project or an event? The ‘Temporary Spaces Co-ordination Office’ at Stuttgart’s Economic Development Agency can help you find suitable spaces.
It offers personalised advice on available spaces, possible uses and organisational requirements. It also puts you in touch with property owners and relevant municipal departments.
The aim is to put vacant or unused spaces to good use and to promote creative, social or economic initiatives.
Events in public spaces
Public spaces and streets provide a wonderful setting for many different types of events, such as street festivals, open-air cinemas and the like. If you are planning a public event, there are a number of legal and organisational requirements to bear in mind – ranging from submitting applications and obtaining permits in good time, through to the use of public spaces, and covering issues such as noise control, traffic management, liability and safety. Issues relating to access and exit arrangements, as well as accessibility, also play a role. The State Capital’s Events Authority will support you in bringing your idea to life safely and smoothly. It advises on approval procedures, necessary conditions and deadlines, and assists with coordination with other specialist departments.
For events held in public spaces, the special-use fees and part of the administrative fees may be covered under certain circumstances.
Commitment to spaces
In Stuttgart, there are a number of initiatives that champion spaces for engagement – for social interaction, culture, civic engagement, participation and urban development for the common good.
Here is a selection:
Haus des Engagements Haus der Kulturen Regenbogenhaus Garnisonsschützenhaus
A Visit to the ‘Kiosk’ / ‘Glück im Quartier’
As part of the “Tour of Great Places for Community Involvement”, videos were filmed at four locations. Here you can gain an insight into one such special place.
Further topics
Space for experimentation
Find a space for your involvement
House of Engagement
Discover the vision
Interior design
Tips for creating attractive community spaces
Get your bearings quickly
Here you’ll find the most important information for