The most beautiful BMWs in history are in Paris
- Published on 21/01/2026 16:18
Seven Art Cars BMW makes a stop in the City of Light for two exceptional exhibitions.
Paris hosts a unique event for enthusiasts of classic cars and automotive art. The BMW 3.0 CSL by Alexander Calder, the first BMW Art Car in history, will be on display from January 16 to 26, 2026, in the courtyard of the Hôtel de la Marine, Place de la Concorde. This event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Rétromobile show and the BMW Art Cars collection, an icon of the marriage between art and motorsport.
The BMW Art Car 1975 was born from the visionary initiative of Hervé Poulain, a French auctioneer and talented gentleman-driver, who originated this revolutionary concept. Convincing Jochen Neerpasch, then director of BMW Motorsport, Poulain entrusted the body of the 3.0 CSL to the American artist Alexander Calder. The artist covered the car with broad swathes of primary colors, creating a rolling masterpiece that participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and paved the way for twenty BMW Art Cars created since by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, and Julie Mehretu.
BMW, a forerunner of art in motion
The exhibition in Paris pays tribute to this half-century of innovation and creativity. The courtyard of the Hôtel de la Marine, a recently restored 18th-century historic monument, offers a prestigious setting to discover this icon of automotive art. Visitors can enjoy free access to admire this work that has marked the history of BMW and contemporary art.
You might be interestedin this article:
As part of the 50th Rétromobile show, from January 28 to February 1, 2026, BMW will subsequently present an exceptional display of the seven Art Cars that participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, retracing fifty years of history, artistic boldness, and mechanical performance. A rare opportunity to discover the unique legacy of the BMW Art Cars and to celebrate the visionary initiative of Hervé Poulain, the fastest auctioneer in the world and the spiritual father of this incredible collection.
ALSO READ: An exceptional program for Rétromobile 2026!
This page is translated from the original post "Les plus belles BMW de l’histoire sont à Paris" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
