For the first time, the StadtPalais tells the story of ballet from John Cranko to the present day in a major special exhibition. The significance and independence of dance in Stuttgart is unique – and has a long history. In cooperation with the Stuttgart Ballet, the exhibition presents the global phenomenon of the “ballet miracle” in a visually impressive show.
It was in 1969 that the Stuttgart Ballet made history. With a guest performance at the Metropolitan Opera in the ballet city of New York, the “Stuttgart Ballet Miracle” came to pass. The company was led by ballet director and choreographer John Cranko, who had been working in Stuttgart since 1961. His work catapulted the Stuttgart Ballet from a small dance troupe in southern Germany to a world-class company. Its dancers were celebrated as stars. Stuttgart became the ballet capital of Germany.
The major special exhibition “Ballet Miracle” at the StadtPalais – Museum für Stuttgart tells the story of ballet in Stuttgart, past and present. The focus is on the global appeal of Stuttgart dance. The special exhibition combines the historical narrative of the Stuttgart Ballet with an immersive experience of dance and movement in space. Costumes, stage designs, and large-scale light and video projections bring the history of the Stuttgart Ballet to life at the StadtPalais.
Dance already played an important role in the 18th century, when choreographer Jean Georges Noverre was appointed to the court by Duke Carl Eugen. Around 200 years later, the Stuttgart Ballet began its rise to become an internationally renowned company. John Cranko hired Marcia Haydée, Birgit Keil, Richard Cragun, and Egon Madsen, who went on to become world-famous dancers. Legendary choreographers such as Kenneth MacMillan and Peter Wright worked with the Stuttgart dance troupe. Cranko's sudden death in 1973 did not spell the end of the ballet miracle; on the contrary, Stuttgart remained a ballet city and the Stuttgart “ballet family” remained loyal to him and his work – to this day. Last but not least, the new building for the John Cranko School, completed in 2020, promises that the “ballet family” will remain firmly anchored in Stuttgart in the spirit of Cranko.
In cooperation with the Stuttgart Ballet, the StadtPalais is now honoring the importance of ballet for the state capital. 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of John Cranko's arrival in Stuttgart. 2027 would have been his 100th birthday. The period after John Cranko and the work of his successors Glen Tetley, Marcia Haydée, Reid Anderson, and Tamas Detrich will be recounted for the first time in a historical exhibition.
It was in 1969 that the Stuttgart Ballet made history. With a guest performance at the Metropolitan Opera in the ballet city of New York, the “Stuttgart Ballet Miracle” came to pass. The company was led by ballet director and choreographer John Cranko, who had been working in Stuttgart since 1961. His work catapulted the Stuttgart Ballet from a small dance troupe in southern Germany to a world-class company. Its dancers were celebrated as stars. Stuttgart became the ballet capital of Germany.
The major special exhibition “Ballet Miracle” at the StadtPalais – Museum für Stuttgart tells the story of ballet in Stuttgart, past and present. The focus is on the global appeal of Stuttgart dance. The special exhibition combines the historical narrative of the Stuttgart Ballet with an immersive experience of dance and movement in space. Costumes, stage designs, and large-scale light and video projections bring the history of the Stuttgart Ballet to life at the StadtPalais.
Dance already played an important role in the 18th century, when choreographer Jean Georges Noverre was appointed to the court by Duke Carl Eugen. Around 200 years later, the Stuttgart Ballet began its rise to become an internationally renowned company. John Cranko hired Marcia Haydée, Birgit Keil, Richard Cragun, and Egon Madsen, who went on to become world-famous dancers. Legendary choreographers such as Kenneth MacMillan and Peter Wright worked with the Stuttgart dance troupe. Cranko's sudden death in 1973 did not spell the end of the ballet miracle; on the contrary, Stuttgart remained a ballet city and the Stuttgart “ballet family” remained loyal to him and his work – to this day. Last but not least, the new building for the John Cranko School, completed in 2020, promises that the “ballet family” will remain firmly anchored in Stuttgart in the spirit of Cranko.
In cooperation with the Stuttgart Ballet, the StadtPalais is now honoring the importance of ballet for the state capital. 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of John Cranko's arrival in Stuttgart. 2027 would have been his 100th birthday. The period after John Cranko and the work of his successors Glen Tetley, Marcia Haydée, Reid Anderson, and Tamas Detrich will be recounted for the first time in a historical exhibition.
More information
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the exhibition opening with accompanying program will take place at 7 p.m. at the StadtPalais, a registration is required.
The exhibition is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 7 euros, but with a valid VVS ticket or subscription, you can get a discounted admission price of 5 euros.
On Fridays, admission to the exhibition is free between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
“Ballet Miracle” is a special exhibition on the 2nd floor from March 19, 2026, to April 4, 2027.
Further information on the special exhibition “Ballet Miracle” can be found on the StadtPalais website.
The exhibition is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 7 euros, but with a valid VVS ticket or subscription, you can get a discounted admission price of 5 euros.
On Fridays, admission to the exhibition is free between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
“Ballet Miracle” is a special exhibition on the 2nd floor from March 19, 2026, to April 4, 2027.
Further information on the special exhibition “Ballet Miracle” can be found on the StadtPalais website.
