BMW Welt Celebrates 25 Years Since Planning Began

BMW Welt marks 25 years since planning began, welcoming 2.2 million visitors annually and hosting 400 events in Munich. Learn how it evolved into a key cultural landmark.

In 2026, BMW Welt in Munich marks a symbolic milestone: 25 years since planning began for what would become one of Bavaria’s most visited attractions. What started in 2001 with projections of 850,000 visitors annually now welcomes more than 2.2 million guests each year.

BMW Welt officially opened in October 2007, following several years of construction that began in 2003–2004. The building was conceived as a contemporary addition to the existing BMW ensemble: the “Vier-Zylinder” headquarters, completed for the 1972 Olympic Games and designed by Karl Schwanzer, and the BMW Museum, originally opened in 1973 and fully redesigned by 2008. Together, the three structures form a distinctive architectural cluster in Munich’s urban landscape.

The project was developed by Vienna-based Coop Himmelb(l)au under the direction of Wolf D. Prix, a former student of Karl Schwanzer. The architectural concept centers on an expansive open hall crowned by a sculptural roof supported by the iconic Double Cone structure. Covering approximately 73,000 square meters, the glass-and-steel building expresses movement and technical precision — qualities closely associated with the BMW brand.

Beyond its architecture, BMW Welt has established itself as a major vehicle delivery center. Since opening, more than 280,000 vehicles have been handed over to customers here. Cars arrive in advance, undergo preparation, and are then presented to their owners in a carefully staged setting. For many buyers, the handover becomes a defining moment in their ownership experience.

The venue showcases the latest models from BMW, BMW M, MINI, BMW Motorrad and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Visitors can book individual consultations or join guided tours focused on design and architecture. Admission to BMW Welt remains free of charge, reinforcing its status as a key destination on Munich’s cultural and tourist map.

BMW Welt also functions as a prominent event location, hosting around 400 events annually. It serves as the venue for ceremonies such as the Bavarian Sports Prize and the Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award, underlining its role within Bavaria’s media and cultural landscape.

The culinary offering continues to expand. In summer 2025, the fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer opened on site, launching its first season under the theme “Nomadic Earth.” The concept is realized in cooperation with the Käfer hospitality group, with Jens Madsen leading the kitchen.

Today, BMW Welt stands not only as an architectural landmark or a delivery center, but as a multifunctional platform where brand presentation, culture and urban life intersect. The steady growth in visitor numbers compared to initial projections suggests that the concept has resonated strongly — and its presence within Munich’s cityscape appears firmly established.