Even those who don't understand cars will recognise the blue and white BMW emblem among other logos. The company has long established itself as a manufacturer of high quality, powerful and stylish vehicles. To learn more about the history of the car giant and how its cars have changed over the years, visit the BMW Museum in Munich. Boys love the performance and girls the exquisite interior and body design.
The car company recently celebrated its 110th birthday and the museum dates back to 1972. The museum building is worth a look even before you enter, as the roof is shaped like the company logo. The exhibition itself is relatively sparsely populated, so you can see all the exhibits without crowding. The fact that you can hire an audioguide from the ticket office means that your tour of the cars will be enlightening.
Several floors, covering a total of 5,000 square metres, are packed with technical masterpieces. There are aircraft engines that started BMW's history, propellers, motorcycles and cars - from the first, quirky and ridiculous, for the modern car enthusiast, to the present, ergonomic and elegant.
The squat cars are eye-catching and the engines of the racing cars are side by side. On the wall, drawings and diagrams show the path taken to create a reliable four-wheeled friend. A two-seater Iso Isetta bubble car has a special place in the exhibition, because it was the production of this car in the 1960s that saved the company from bankruptcy. In general, all the models ever made by the company are collected here.
A visit to the museum can be combined with a trip to the nearby Sea Life Aquarium.
BMW World, a huge showroom next to the museum, displays the latest models and concepts that show where the company's designers are heading. The showroom also includes electric and hydrogen-powered cars.
Admission to BMW Welt is free. Admission to Permanent Exhibitions and Temporary Exhibitions at BMW museum is chargeable.
Please note the parking garage fees:
- 15 minutes free of charge
- 2.50 EUR per hour
- 19.00 EUR daily maximum
Special workshops invite children to become car designers and create their own car.
