As you may be aware, BMW M GmbH is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and the brand’s museum couldn’t help but get in on the fun. The museum recently opened a new exhibition dedicated to the most iconic BMW M models.
The exhibition opened on May 24, 50 years to the day after BMW M GmbH was founded in 1972. When visitors enter, they are guided through the museum on an “M circuit” that was modeled after a racetrack and helps tell the story of the organization.
“We have consciously integrated the eight BMW M stations into our permanent exhibition to highlight the BMW M anniversary everywhere,” says Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic, explaining the concept: “It is not your usual temporary exhibition. Instead, we are adding special highlights within the museum.”
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The circuit flows through seven of the museum’s rooms highlighting various aspects of BMW M GmbH’s success. Visitors will be able to see its history of racing in touring cars, will learn about the manufacture of BMW Individual vehicles, will be told the backstory behind the tricolor M logo, and more.
The museum is also filled with exciting modern and classic vehicles. Exhibition highlights include the BMW M1, the M3, and the V12 LMR, as well as design concepts, prototypes, and other classic vehicles.
“This motorsport gene from the early days still thrives in BMW M today,” says Jochen Neerpasch, co-founder and first Managing Director of BMW Motorsport GmbH from 1972 to 1980. “The brand owes its dynamism, passion, and performance to motorsport. Innovations such as lightweight construction, aerodynamics, optimized engine performance, or a reinforced chassis still feature in M vehicles today.”
For those who really want to dive into the history of BMW M GmbH, there is a one-hour guided tour. For the anniversary celebration, the tour has been geared to focus on the M exhibitions. Younger children, meanwhile, can sign up for two-and-a-half-hour workshops in which they meet members of the BMW Junior Team, learn about the brand’s history, and participate in themed activities.
Tours are offered in German and English, and the museum is located in Munich. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm local time.