BMW Museum in Munich Explores Over a Century of Automotive Heritage

Discover the BMW Museum in Munich — more than 100 years of automotive innovation, design, and culture presented by BMW Group. Explore exhibitions and history today.

The BMW Museum in Munich has become one of Germany’s most visited museums, welcoming more than 840,000 visitors in 2024. The latest media information from BMW Group highlights how the museum has evolved into a vibrant space where the brand’s history comes alive in every hall.

The story began in 1973, when architect Karl Schwanzer created the iconic Rotunda known as the “Bowl”, crowned with the BMW logo. Following a major redesign completed in 2008, the exhibition area expanded fivefold into a dynamic complex of seven interconnected “houses”. Inside, ramps and bridges create a sense of movement and openness, guiding visitors through a journey from the brand’s earliest vehicles to its visions of electric mobility.

Today, the museum covers 5,000 square metres and includes 25 themed zones stretching nearly one kilometre. Highlights include the House of Design, dedicated to creative processes, the House of Technology, showcasing engineering breakthroughs, and the House of Motorsport, celebrating BMW’s racing heritage. The famous BMW Art Cars collection, featuring works by artists such as Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons, remains a focal point. In June 2025, the museum hosted a stage of the BMW Art Car World Tour, marking both the 50th anniversary of the collection and the jubilee of the BMW 3 Series.

Visitors can join daily guided tours in German and English or explore digitally with smartphone content. All tickets are available online and paid via cashless options. After the tour, guests can visit the M1 bistro run by Munich’s renowned Feinkost Käfer, known for its light and seasonal cuisine.

The BMW Junior Museum offers interactive workshops for children and teenagers, covering design, film and discovery themes. Developed in cooperation with educational experts from We Are Family, the programs encourage creativity and awareness of sustainable design. Family Sundays with craft activities and guided tours are held several times a year, while school holidays bring special sessions for young designers.

Today, the BMW Museum stands as more than a gallery of automotive milestones — it is a living archive where engineering excellence meets cultural expression. Its enduring popularity reflects how the spirit of innovation and motion has become an integral part of Germany’s cultural landscape.