Those who have visited Munich at least once will probably have only pleasant impressions of this German city with its rich historical past and many sights. Indeed, this locality is famous for its numerous architectural structures throughout the world, and the museums of Munich occupy a special place all over the world, since it is here that the famous BMW Museum is located.
A bit of history
Before telling what the BMW Museum in Germany is like, I would like to remember how the BMW concern itself appeared. Bavarian engine factories such as Bayerische MotorenWerke (or BMW) have long been world famous. They have been in business since 1913. The plant began its activity with the production of aircraft engines. The founder of this company was Karl Friedrich Rapp. He decided to locate this production in the district of Munich, close to the German aircraft manufacturer Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik. After the First World War ended in 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed.an agreement under which the production of aircraft in Germany was prohibited. As a result, Otto closed his factory, and BMW was forced to switch to the manufacture of train brakes, and subsequently became the largest manufacturer of engines, cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
The first buildings of the complex
The BMW complex includes the headquarters, the museum and the "World" of BMW. The BMW Museum in Munich was the first to open its doors. This happened in 1972. At the same time, by the day of the 1972 Olympics, the construction of the company's headquarters was also completed. The BMW residence itself is a structure designed as a four-cylinder engine. The building has 22 floors. The design of these two buildings was developed by an architect from Austria. The museum building is built in the form of a kind of bowl, which is covered with the BMW emblem on top and is externally a gas tank cap. The most complete picture can be seen by rising to a bird's eye view. The locals have their own idea about the appearance of this structure, so they call it a "soup bowl".
BMW World
In 2004, the company decided to close the building that housed the BMW Museum in Munich for renovation. Due to the growth of production in the museum, it was no longer possible to exhibit all the exhibits. The premises required expansion, that is, the acquisition or appearance of a new additional area. Nearby, the construction of a new car dealership was already underway, which began a year ago according to the project of the Vienna design bureauCoop Himmelb(l)au. For the expansion, it was decided to use this building, which opened in June 2008. According to the idea of the authors, the glass cones of the building symbolize the letter "W", which is the third in the BMW abbreviation. The four cylinders of the concern's head office are the letter "B", and the lid of the museum is the "M". The new building presents not only the BMW Museum. In Munich, various concerts are held in this room, and residents and guests of the city come here just to dine or relax. Entrance to the building is free, as there is also a car dealership. Inside, you can not only buy a car, but also ride an old or new BMW on a virtual race track. In addition, you can design a car on a huge projection screen.
Restoration workshop
Initially, at the opening of the museum, 20 cars and 30 motorcycles were presented to the audience. As such, there was no workshop that would keep the equipment in working order. They were repaired by enthusiasts who worked in the basement of the building. On the 100th anniversary of the production of Karl Benz's first car, BMW took part in a classic rally. Four cars were entered for the competition, but after the start they all died out as one. It was after this incident that the restoration workshop was created, which served the BMW Museum in Munich. It was located at the company's factory, and since then all the cars presented in the museum have been in working condition. Now their number has increased significantly. They are so tight thatsometimes you have to squeeze between them.
Rolls-Royce display
No museum in Munich is as popular as the BMW Museum. After reconstruction in 2008, its area increased to 5,000 square meters. Stands are replaced and updated every 30 days, so there is always an opportunity to see something new. Rising on the escalator to the top of the museum, you will see the Rolls-Royce display. A spiral staircase leads from it, going down which you can clearly see all the models presented. The real treasure of this section is the Rolls-Royce Phantom. It was the first car from Rolls-Royces that belonged to the royal family. After the turnstiles, an installation is presented, consisting of hundreds of metal balls that are constantly moving, creating the outlines of a BMW car.
From history to the present
In the next room you can see the aircraft engine BMW IV, which was produced in 1918. The next exhibit that deserves attention is the R32 motorcycle. It was very popular, despite the fact that its cost was much higher than the price of similar vehicles from other manufacturers. The attention of buyers was attracted by the innovative transverse engine placement. In addition, the motorcycle had a two-cylinder engine of 0.5 liters. It allowed speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour. Next to him is a chic red BMW 3/15 PS,released in 1929, being the company's first production model.
Mototechnics
The BMW Museum in Munich, the photo is presented below, has a number of other expositions. In the first ten years after the war, the financial condition of the inhabitants of Europe was not very good and the purchasing power, especially in relation to cars, was very low. During this period, the company's management decided to return to the production of motor vehicles. Almost all models ever produced are presented in the halls of the museum. In 1955, BMW returned to the production of cars. This year the country saw the Isetta. This unusual model of the company had a motorcycle motor. In the next room, a motorcycle with an aluminum frame is presented, which significantly reduces its overall weight compared to the weight of previous models. The body of this motorcycle (BMW M6) is made using plastic, lightweight steel and carbon fiber. In order for each visitor to be sure of their weight, each exhibit of this hall stands on a separate scale. A little further on you can see a 1939 BMW 328 Touring Cope, and in the next room is a collection of manufactured engines for aircraft, boats, racing and conventional cars.
But the exposure doesn't end there. Guests will be able to see the BMW 3 Series lineup, where all generations of this model are placed in chronological order. It is impossible not to mention the collection of BMW advertising posters, forwhich has a separate room.
Every car collector's dream
One of the most beautiful models of the company is the BMW 700 LS (1964). The car is installed near the wall of posters. Under the hood of the car is a 0.7-liter 2-cylinder engine with a capacity of 40 horsepower. The maximum speed of this model is 135 kilometers per hour. An equally attractive model is the BMW 3.0 CSi, for which many collectors compete. The BMW 327/28 has a separate room, which resembles a wind tunnel. For those who already want to visit the BMW Museum in Munich, the address will be left a little lower, but for now you need to pay attention to a couple more exhibition spaces.
Racing cars
The next two booths will attract the attention of speed lovers. The best racing cars are placed on the first one, and the famous BMW Ms are placed on the second. The BMW M1 (1978) attracts the most attention. Only 400 of them were produced, so it is unrealistic to meet such a model live. In the corner, behind the racing cars, is a BMW X Coupe, and next to it is the GINA Light Visionary Model, whose body is made of fabric.
Roadsters occupied one more hall. It is here that you can see the most expensive BMW 507 brand. The company produced only 271 copies of this model. Next, a rather unusual Z1 roadster is installed, the doors of which do not open like in all cars, but go down. And the most successful roadster of the company, which gained popularity amongwomen, is considered the BMW Z3. Now, having familiarized with the expositions of the museum, for sure, many will want to know where the BMW Museum is located.
How to get to the BMW Museum
Those who decide to visit Munich (BMW Museum) may not know how to get to it, but with our tips they can do it quite easily. The most affordable way is to use the metro. You need to get to the Olympia-Eisstadion station, at the exit of which you can see the BMW World building. You need to go to the museum by tram along route No. 20 or No. 21. The stop is located on the side of the Olympic Park, so to get to the museum, you need to walk a short distance from the stop. Taxi is the fastest way to get to the BMW Museum in Munich.
Address where the museum is located: 80809, Munich, Olimpiysky park st., 2.
