The BMW Museum in Munich
Written by Guus Docen
The BMW factories are situated not far from the center of Munich, At the opposite side of the factories are the museum, brand experience centre and head offices. The museum was built at the same time as the new headquarters (the striking four vertical cylinders), in 1973. Since May 1973 the BMW Museum has welcomed visitors from all over the world with a fascinating collection of the motorcycles and cars produced from 1929 until now. From 2004 to 2008 the museum was renovated in connection with the construction of the BMW Welt, a multi-use exhibition center located directly opposite, which is used for meetings and promotional events, and where buyers take delivery of BMW vehicles. Since it was re-opened in June 2008, the BMW Museum has posted record visitor numbers year after year and is proud to be one of the most visited museums in Germany. From the entrance it starts with the earliest products, which were aeroplane motors and motorcycles. Surprisingly, the iconic blue and white logo and lettering hasn’t been changed much since the first World War. The 4,000 m² permanent exhibition space houses a neatly-arranged assortment of the brand’s most significant cars and motorcycles. The BMW Museum also regularly stages temporary exhibitions featuring special vehicles, design exhibits and prototypes from the long and illustrious history of the BMW Group. An absolute must for all car enthusiasts.