The World of BMW
A Double Cone
Four years of construction are now over, but the public still has a few weeks to wait to explore the interiors of BMW Welt, the Bavarian carmaker's addition to its Munich museum. The building opens to the public on Oct. 20.
And the Winner Is…
Competition was fierce to win the contract to design BMW Welt, with 275 architectural firms submitting tenders. The jury's decision, however, was unanimous. Viennese architects Coop Himmelb(l)au provided the winning design.
Keeping Company
BMW Welt is located directly adjacent to the carmaker's parent plant in Munich and the group's headquarters with the legendary four-cylinder building and the BMW Museum.
Sign of the Times
The BMW Museum, which documents the history of the company, is set to reopen in 2008 after undergoing a thorough renovation. It first opened its doors in 1973 and was designed by another Vienna architect, Karl Schwanzer.
More Than Just Cars
Visitors are meant to be able to examine new models of cars and motorcycles, as well as gain insight into research and development, design and production.
Part of the Game
BMW is only the latest German carmaker to invest in a fancy new building to showcase its work. Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen all know how to draw tourists.