BMW Welt and Museum, Munich

The BMW Museum and the adjacent BMW Welt in Munich are two exhibition centers dedicated to the past and present history of the famous German vehicle manufacturer BMW AG.

Both venues are located close to the Olympiapark and the BMW headquarters.
The bowl-shaped building of the museum was opened in 1973, built on a design by the Austrian architect Karl Schwantzer, and completely renovated in 2008.

On a total floor area of 4,000 square meters, the BWW Museum galleries feature a permanent collection composed of 120 vehicles, production cars, sports cars, motorcycles, and prototypes, realized by BMW during its centennial history. The BMW museum also organizes temporary exhibitions and special events.

A second exhibition center, entitled BMW Welt (BMW World), has been opened in 2007 close to the museum to present the most recent production of the BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce brands, as well as for special events and media presentations.
The iconic building of the BMW Welt was designed by the Austrian architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au.
While the museum is a more traditional exhibition venue, the BMW Welt is somehow midway between an exhibition center, a corporate showroom, and a theme park. Indeed, along with exposing vehicles, the Welt features special activities and interactive installations for children and families.

One cafe and one shop at the BMW museum, and four cafe-restaurant and one shop at the BMW Welt, are available to the visitors. Both centers are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Photos: cover, 1 and 2 BMW Museum. 3 and 4 BMW Welt. All images © BMW AG