BMW Art Cars: The 20 Iconic Cars Finally Gathered, An Exhibition Not to Be Missed
- Published on 30/07/2026 7:45
Fifty years after the birth of the first BMW Art Car, Munich hosts all 20 creations for the first time in a free exhibition.
Seeing the twenty BMW Art Cars gathered in one place was until now a fantasy. From July 29 to August 31, 2026, however, this dream becomes a reality. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this unique collection in the world, BMW Welt in Munich showcases all of the famous “rolling sculptures” envisioned by some of the greatest contemporary artists. It’s a groundbreaking event that also marks the end of a world tour that has passed through more than thirty countries.
The story begins in 1975 when talented gentleman driver Hervé Poulain convinces BMW Motorsport to entrust a 3.0 CSL to Alexander Calder for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Why such an association of two worlds that are so different? In his city life, Master Poulain is an auctioneer and passionate about modern art. The bold idea at the time gave birth to an artistic adventure that has become a true institution. Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, David Hockney, Robert Rauschenberg, Jenny Holzer, Jeff Koons, Esther Mahlangu, Cao Fei, and Julie Mehretu have all transformed a BMW into a work of art in their own way.
The heart and passion for engines
Beyond their artistic dimension, these models also tell a half-century of automotive evolution. From the racing cars of the 1970s to the current BMW M Hybrid V8 engaged in endurance racing, each Art Car reflects the technologies and design of its time.
One of the major attractions of the exhibition is undoubtedly the spectacular BMW H2R Project by Olafur Eliasson. This installation, created around a hydrogen-powered prototype, has only been fully unveiled to the public three times since its creation in 2007. Its presence in Munich, therefore, constitutes a standout event.
BMW enhances the visit with an immersive digital experience featuring an interactive guide in 25 languages and a treasure hunt that allows for a playful exploration of the works. Admission is free, a rarity for an exhibition of such magnitude.
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Exhibitions dedicated to BMW Art Cars have already been organized worldwide, but never have the twenty creations been gathered simultaneously. Such a concentration of works represents a significant logistical challenge, making its reproduction unlikely in the near future. For car enthusiasts, art lovers, or simply fans of beautiful mechanical stories, this Munich event promises to be a truly unique opportunity. If a detour to Bavaria is planned this summer, it’s hard to imagine a more unmissable visit.
BMW Art Car Collection at BMW Welt
- Alexander Calder / BMW 3.0 CSL / 1975
- Frank Stella / BMW 3.0 CSL / 1976
- Roy Lichtenstein / BMW 320i Turbo / 1977
- Andy Warhol / BMW M1 / 1979
- Ernst Fuchs / BMW 635 CSi / 1982
- Robert Rauschenberg / BMW 635 CSi / 1986
- Michael Nelson Jagamara / BMW M3 Group A / 1989
- Ken Done / BMW M3 Group A / 1989
- Matazo Kayama / BMW 535i / 1990
- César Manrique / BMW 730i / 1990
- A.R. Penck / BMW Z1 / 1991
- Esther Mahlangu / BMW 525i / 1991
- Sandro Chia / BMW M3 GTR / 1992
- David Hockney / BMW 850 CSi / 1995
- Jenny Holzer / BMW V12 LMR / 1999
- Olafur Eliasson / BMW H2R / 2007
- Jeff Koons / BMW M3 GT2 / 2010
- Cao Fei / BMW M6 GT3 / 2017
- John Baldessari / BMW M6 GTLM / 2016
- Julie Mehretu / BMW M Hybrid V8 / 2024
READ ALSO: A Renault 5 Art Car in lace!
This page is translated from the original post "BMW Art Cars : les 20 voitures mythiques enfin réunies, une exposition à ne pas manquer" in French.
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