BMW World & BMW Museum

BMW Welt and the BMW Museum together form a striking architectural ensemble right next to BMW's headquarters, telling the more than hundred-year history of the Munich-based car and motorcycle brand. For technology and design enthusiasts, a visit is one of the most popular things to do in Munich.

History of BMW Welt & BMW Museum

BMW was founded in 1916, initially as an aircraft engine manufacturer under the name Rapp Motorenwerke, and renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke in 1917. Motorcycles followed from 1923, and the first BMW car, the small Dixi, reached the market in 1928. The BMW Museum, in its unmistakable bowl-shaped building, opened in 1973 - the same year as the neighboring four-tower BMW headquarters, deliberately designed to resemble four cylinders. Both buildings were designed by architect Karl Schwanzer and were completed in time for the 1972 Munich Olympics, held right next to the adjacent Olympiapark. In 2008 the museum reopened after a major expansion significantly enlarged its exhibition space.

BMW Welt: Architecture & Experience

BMW Welt, directly across from the museum, opened in 2007 and primarily serves as a spectacular pickup location for new-car customers from around the world, who collect their vehicle here as part of a dedicated small ceremony. The building, designed by architects Coop Himmelb(l)au, impresses with its futuristic double-cone steel-and-glass construction and houses, besides the vehicle displays, restaurants and event spaces. Inside the BMW Museum, a spiral walkway leads chronologically through the company's history, from early aircraft engines through classic motorcycles to current electric vehicles.

Visitor Tips & Getting There

BMW Welt and the BMW Museum sit directly at the Olympiazentrum U-Bahn station, making them easy to reach. Entry to BMW Welt itself is generally free, while the museum requires a separate ticket; current prices and opening hours should be checked on the official website in advance. A visit combines well with a stop at the directly adjoining Olympiapark.

Nearby Attractions

Just a short walk away lies Olympiapark with the Olympic Tower, Olympic Stadium and Olympiasee lake - one of Munich's most popular recreational areas and an ideal continuation for a full day out in this part of the city.

Mobility in Transition

Both BMW Welt and the BMW Museum dedicate a growing share of their exhibition space to the shift in mobility toward electrification and digitalization. Alongside classic combustion engines and legendary models from the company's history - such as the 1950s BMW 507 or early M models - current developments in electric drivetrains and connected vehicles are also on display. This juxtaposition of more than a century of industrial history with forward-looking technology makes a visit equally rewarding for classic car enthusiasts and visitors interested in technology.

The Four Cylinder: BMW's Iconic Headquarters

Directly next to BMW Welt and the Museum rises the so-called Vierzylinder ("Four Cylinder"), BMW's headquarters completed in 1972. The roughly 100-meter-tall building consists of four cylindrical towers deliberately designed to resemble the four cylinders of a car engine, and it was built using a construction method unusual for its time: the individual floors hang from a central steel core rather than being built up conventionally from the ground. As with the neighboring museum, the architect was Karl Schwanzer. The Vierzylinder is now a listed historic building and is considered one of the best-known examples of corporate architecture in Germany.

The BMW Junior Campus for Children

Within BMW Welt, the so-called BMW Junior Campus is aimed specifically at children and teenagers, playfully conveying the basics of technology, mobility and sustainability - for example through workshops building small model vehicles. This museum-education offering complements the vehicle presentation, which is primarily geared toward adults, making BMW Welt a popular destination for families who are not primarily interested in buying a car, but in an entertaining glimpse into the workings of a major automobile manufacturer.

The "Premiere" and "Fascination" Theme Areas

Within BMW Welt, several themed areas highlight different aspects of the brand. The "Premiere" area showcases the latest models and concept vehicles in staged presentations, often as part of rotating special exhibitions on current topics such as motorsport or design. The "Fascination" area, by contrast, focuses more on the emotional and cultural significance of the automobile as a whole. This thematic structure allows visitors to dive deeper into specific areas according to their interests, rather than following a rigid exhibition route.