The BMW Museum is an automobile museum located in Munich, Germany, situated in the immediate vicinity of the Olympiapark. Established in 1973, the facility serves as a venue for documenting and showcasing the history of the Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) brand.
The museum's architectural design is a prominent feature of the Munich skyline. The original building, designed by Austrian architect Karl Schwanzer, is characterized by its silver, bowl-shaped structure, often referred to as the "museum bowl." This building stands adjacent to the BMW headquarters, a tower known as the "Four-Cylinder" building, which was also designed by Schwanzer. Between 2004 and 2008, the museum underwent an extensive expansion and renovation, which increased its exhibition space to approximately 5,000 square meters by incorporating adjacent low-rise buildings into the exhibition layout.
The museum’s collection tracks the technological and design evolution of BMW from the company's origins to the present. The permanent exhibition is organized into thematic sections, or "houses," which cover various aspects of the brand’s history, including its heritage in aircraft engine manufacturing, motorcycle production, and automotive development. Exhibits include classic vehicles, racing models, and concept cars, as well as displays detailing the engineering and design processes utilized by the company.
The BMW Museum is part of a larger complex that includes the BMW Welt, a multi-functional customer delivery and event center located directly across from the museum, and the BMW Group Plant Munich. Together, these facilities serve as a central hub for the company's corporate identity and public outreach.