Munich. The fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer at BMW Welt has been awarded with two Michelin stars by the “Michelin Guide”. Just one year after opening, this prestigious accolade celebrates the culinary signature of chef de cuisine Jens Madsen, restaurant manager Mona Röthig, sommelier Luigi Pecchia and the entire team. With its concept of “CULINARY NOMADISM”, THE CLOUD by Käfer brings together international influences, meticulous craftsmanship and an exclusive dining experience under the roof of BMW Welt.

“The Michelin Guide” defines a two-star restaurant as “Table excellente, mérite un détour”; in English: “excellent cooking, worth a detour”. This definition now also officially applies to THE CLOUD by Käfer at BMW Welt. Also winning the “Opening Of The Year” award, the fine-dining restaurant demonstrates that its concept has struck exactly the right note: “CULINARY NOMADISM” – a culinary journey.

“The two Michelin stars are a great honour for our entire team. We are delighted by this recognition, yet we remain focused on what matters most to us every day: working creatively and with concentration, treating high-quality products with respect, and creating a special experience for our guests,” commented Jens Madsen, chef de cuisine of THE CLOUD by Käfer, following the announcement.

“We warmly congratulate Jens Madsen, Luigi Pecchia, Mona Röthig and the entire team at THE CLOUD by Käfer on this very special honour. The two Michelin stars recognise the team's outstanding culinary achievement and confirms the high standards that have shaped an exceptional fine-dining experience at BMW Welt in collaboration with Käfer and Designworks. We are really looking forward to Season II, as THE CLOUD by Käfer continues its culinary journey,” added Sandra Wittemer, head of BMW Welt.

From 8 July 2026, THE CLOUD by Käfer at BMW Welt will embark on its second culinary journey, entitled “SEASON II – WHISPERS OF THE RAINFOREST”. The new menu draws inspiration from a journey supported by the BMW Group, during which chef de cuisine Jens Madsen travelled deep into the Amazon region. There, he immersed himself in ancestral techniques, indigenous produce and a deeply respectful approach to resources. At THE CLOUD by Käfer, he translates these impressions into a distinctive culinary signature – characterised by local ingredients, masterful execution and a profound respect for origins and context.

The fine-dining experience at THE CLOUD by Käfer is complemented by exclusive services offered by BMW Welt – the so-called “BMW Welt Signatures”. These include a private shuttle service in a BMW 7 Series across the Munich area, valet parking and the opportunity to book an exclusive guided tour of BMW Welt.

The team at THE CLOUD by Käfer has already received several distinctions this year. Jens Madsen was recognised for his vision by German-language restaurant guide “Der Große Guide” as Best Newcomer. Culinary magazine “DER FEINSCHMECKER” also named sommelier Luigi Pecchia among Germany’s most promising young talents in its "Top 30 Under 30” special. THE CLOUD by Käfer at BMW Welt also featured in the “Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2026” as part of a highly international and creative selection of restaurants.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Lisa Meindl
Spokesperson BMW Museum and BMW Welt
Telephone: +49-89-382-31668
Email: lisa.meindl@bmw.de

Simone Bauer-Linster, Communications BMW Welt

Telephone: +49 151 601 414 52

Email: Simone.Bauer-Linster@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-Mail: presse@bmwgroup.com

About Käfer

In October 2012, the world of Käfer arrived at BMW Welt, where it operates the CooperS bistro, the Biker’s Lodge café, the Bavarie restaurant, and the fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer. Käfer developed a bespoke culinary concept for this new partnership, designed to cater to the diverse visitor groups frequenting Bavaria’s most popular attraction. From BMW Welt staff and customers collecting their new cars to Munich families, international tourists, and discerning gourmets, the various dining venues offer a wide range of options to suit every taste. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that regional and international elements—befitting the Munich-based brands BMW and Käfer—go hand in hand to create a unified concept rooted in sustainability.

About BMW Welt

With its iconic, award-winning architecture, BMW Welt is one of Bavaria’s most visited attractions and symbolizes the BMW Group’s innovative strength. Since its opening in 2007, it has welcomed over 2 million visitors annually. Together with the BMW Museum and BMW Group Classic, it forms an important part of the brand experience in Munich.

BMW Welt unites all BMW Group brands – BMW, BMW M, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad – under one roof. Visitors will find exhibitions and brand presentations and can pick up new vehicles in a unique setting. Since its opening, more than 280,000 vehicles have been delivered.

The event program includes a year-round program of cultural, artistic, sporting, and entertainment events. BMW Welt’s spaces are also available for external events. The offerings are complemented by guided tours, product consultations, and the educational program at THE CAMPUS for children and families. Several restaurants, including the fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer, provide culinary options.

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The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life. 

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Munich. BMW Welt has firmly established itself as an integral part of Munich’s cityscape, as well as the cultural and events scene in the Bavarian capital and beyond. 25 years ago, planning began for what would become one of Bavaria’s most-visited attractions. BMW Welt is not only known for its award-winning, futuristic architecture, but above all, for the opportunity to experience the BMW Group brands up close.

Planning got underway in 2001, expecting 850,000 visitors per year. Today, BMW Welt welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually. This number includes customers from all over Germany who come to collect their vehicles – more than 280,000 to date.

BMW Welt offers a one-of-a-kind experience worldwide: In addition to vehicle collection, visitors can explore the latest models from BMW, BMW M, MINI, BMW Motorrad and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars through a range of displays, with the option of individual product consultations, as well as guided tours for car and architecture enthusiasts – complemented by the culinary diversity of its four restaurants and bistros, including the new fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer.

The architect behind BMW Welt, Prof Wolf D. Prix, was a student of Karl Schwanzer, the man who designed the BMW Four-Cylinder building. Prix and his team from Coop Himmelb(l)au, comprising a total of 120 architects, concealed 1,200 rooms within BMW Welt. BMW Welt’s spectacular event spaces are also available for reservation. The BMW Welt Auditorium is home to Munich's second-largest stage after the opera house. Each year, BMW Welt hosts 400 events, including the Bavarian Sports Prize and the Blauer Panther TV & Streaming Award. More interesting facts and figures can be found in the press information sheet available for download.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Lisa Meindl, Spokesperson BMW Museum and BMW Welt
Telephone: +49-89-382-31668
Email: lisa.meindl@bmw.de

Simone Bauer-Linster, Communications BMW Welt

Telephone: +49 151 601 414 52

Email: Simone.Bauer-Linster@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-Mail: presse@bmwgroup.com

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

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Munich. This new BMW Welt exhibit is making a vehicle from the popular video game series Fortnite and Rocket League a reality. Not only is the BMW M4 GT3 EVO the latest addition to the vehicle catalogue of the multi-player online games, but its design is also in the style of the well-known TV anime “BLEACH”. The car will be displayed at BMW Welt from 20^th December to 11^th January for unforgettable photo opportunities.

BMW introduced the world’s first car creator in Fortnite back in 2023 with the “Hypnopolis” creative island, where players could design the new BMW iX2* according to their individual preferences. Before that, the BMW M240i*, the BMW 1 Series, and the first-generation BMW M3* made their debut in Rocket League.

The design of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO is in the style of the iconic costume of the main character of “BLEACH”, Ichigo Kurosaki. Alongside the launch of the racing car design, a PUMA sneaker model from the BMW M Motorsport collection in the style of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO is also available in the Fortnite Shop.

Sandra Wittemer, Head of BMW Welt, said: “With this very special BMW M4 GT3 EVO, we are bringing the fascination of motorsport, digital pop culture, and design together in a unique way. The livery inspired by ‘Bleach’ shows just how creatively and diversely BMW M can be interpreted. It’s fascinating to see that this car is not just making an impression in virtual worlds such as Fortnite and Rocket League but will now also be a very real experience for BMW Welt visitors.”

BMW Welt is closed annually between 24^th and 26^th December, as well as on 31^st December and 1^st January.

CO2 emissions & consumptions.

BMW iX2 xDrive30: energy consumption combined: 17,7–17,6 kWh/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissioned combined: 0 g/km (WLTP); electric range: 418–449 km (WLTP); CO₂ class: A

BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive: energy combined: 10,2–10,1 l/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissions combined: 230–228 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ class: G

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Lisa Meindl
Spokesperson BMW Museum and BMW Welt
Telephone: +49-89-382-31668
Email: lisa.meindl@bmw.de

Simone Bauer-Linster, Communications BMW Welt

Telephone: +49 151 601 414 52

Email: Simone.Bauer-Linster@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-Mail: presse@bmwgroup.com

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

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Munich. Tomorrow, the new fine-dining restaurant at BMW Welt will welcome its first customers. Since the start of the year, head chef Jens Madsen – who follows in the footsteps of Bobby Bräuer in the exclusive surroundings of BMW Welt – has been working together with BMW Group Designworks, the BMW Group's innovation studio, on a unique new concept: THE CLOUD by Käfer. Here, Madsen, restaurant manager Mona Röthig, sommelier Luigi Pecchia and their team will introduce guests to the “CULINARY NOMADISM” vision successfully trialled at a pop-up event in April.

The restaurant’s opening season will explore the theme “NOMADIC EARTH”, as Madsen escorts his guests on a culinary voyage.

“With Nomadic Earth, we are writing the first chapter in our new travelogue. We want to offer our guests a special experience of elite-level cuisine that expands their horizons and blends aromas and textures from around the world with the finest produce from our local region – with surprising yet cohesive results. In Jens Madsen, Mona Röthig and Luigi Pecchia, we have assembled a team who are turning this ambitious vision into masterful reality with exceptional skill and passion,” explains Michael Käfer.

“To bring Käfer’s vision to life, Designworks developed the spatial concept and storytelling for THE CLOUD. Materials, forms, and details come together to create an atmosphere that is sensual, full of contrast, and emotionally engaging. In this way, the design becomes an integral part of the overall culinary experience,” says Anders Warming, Head of BMW Group Designworks.

“With THE CLOUD by Käfer, we are adding a new dimension to the BMW Welt experience. In addition to vehicle handovers, we can now also offer our guests an inspirational culinary journey in a unique setting created by BMW Group Designworks Munich. Here, in the upper reaches of BMW Welt on its third level, guests enjoy an impressive view over the inside of the building, while immersed in a fine-dining experience,” adds Sandra Wittemer, Head of BMW Welt.

The experts at BMW Group Designworks and Käfer have worked together closely since 2023 to create a space for all the senses and make a visit to THE CLOUD by Käfer truly unforgettable. Light, music, visual and haptic features flow into one another; every light and every piece of furniture contributes to the experience as a whole. For the execution of the project, BMW Group Designworks collaborated with renowned partners including architectural and design studio hildmannwilke, German lighting design brand Occhio, the artist Oscar Zabala – known for his generative audio-visual performances and installations – and innovative Swiss fabric manufacturer Jakob Schlaepfer, supplier to haute couture fashion houses around the world.

The eight-course menu with complementary side dishes brings regional produce – such as goat’s milk from Lenggries, char from Kinsau and venison from the Poltinger Forest – together with dukkah, black pepper soup and pearl emmer pilaf. And the milk-fed veal brochette is inspired by snacks typically served with a beer in African bars. Jens Madsen takes prime cut of veal, skewered on a spike, and serves it with tiger nut, chapati and habanero pepper.

The philosophy behind Madsen’s cuisine is very much his own and is rooted in movement, memory and origin. This new concept new brings together culinary traditions, skills and spices from around the world with top-quality local produce to create highly distinctive cuisine. In Season 1 at THE CLOUD by Käfer, this features aromas and ingredients from eastern and southern Africa, combined with the delicacies and rhythm of Bavaria. Each course reflects a particular stop on a culinary journey, in some cases inspired by faraway shores, at other times recalling pastures closer to home. It all goes into making cuisine that exudes a curiosity for global influences yet embraces its local roots, appealing to the senses, sparking wonder and surprise, and staying open to new perspectives.

Elegant and inviting, with a technically refined aesthetic, the restaurant displays clear references to the design language of BMW. After ascending to the third level of the “floating” structure conceived by COOP Himmelb(l)au, the guests embark on their journey after leaving the elevator. Arriving on Moon Island, they can take a moment to tune into the feel of the evening. They are greeted in understated style by a digital artwork featuring a quarter moon, which gradually morphs from the golden hour through soft twilight to the deep blue tones of the night.

At the Biophilic Bar, made from Perlino marble, artistically presented ingredients from the menu arouse the guests’ curiosity about the dining to come as they enjoy an aperitif. They then move on to the Slim Bar, where a personalised cocktail will be served – and where they can also round off their journey later on with a concluding drink. Here, the golden hour transitions into the blue hour. The guests then move on through the Chef’s Atelier, decorated with travel photos and exotic examples of kitchenware, until they finally reach the Dining Cloud, taking their seats at tables with panoramic views over BMW Welt. Floating over the centre of this space is the amorphous cloud-like installation from which it takes its name. Made from a transparent, featherweight fabric material, and brought to weightless, constantly changing life by a projection, it reprises both the golden colour of sunset and the deep blue of midnight.

Between the kitchen and the Dining Cloud stands a five-ton monolith made of titanium stone. On this impressive stage, the kitchen team put the finishing touches to the plates, before the servers take them to their recipients. The guests are given another hint of what is happening in the kitchen by a one-way mirror with 15 per cent transparency, which provides glimpses without revealing the whole picture.

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Lisa Meindl, Spokesperson BMW Museum and BMW Welt

Telephone: +49-89-382-31668

E-mail: lisa.meindl@bmw.de

Simone Bauer, Communications BMW Welt

Telephone: +49 151 601 414 52

E-mail: simone.bauer@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmwgroup.com

About BMW Group Designworks

Designworks is the BMW Group's innovation studio and a global creative consultancy at the intersection of design, technology and innovation. The "Architects of Future" focus on mobility, product and digital life design as well as strategic design consulting.

The creative studio was acquired by the BMW Group in 1995. Designworks acts as a driving force for all brands of the parent company and as an innovation driver for a large number of clients in a wide range of industries, such as IT and consumer electronics, aviation technology, the medical and environmental sectors, and the lifestyle and sports industries.  The studio was founded in 1972 in Malibu, California by Chuck Pelly. Holger Hampf has been at the helm of the consulting agency since 2017.

About Käfer at BMW Welt

Käfer arrived at BMW Welt in October 2012,  and now operates the Cooper's Garden bistro, Biker’s Lodge café, Bavarie restaurant and THE CLOUD by Käfer fine-dining restaurant. A bespoke culinary concept was developed by Käfer for the new partnership that takes into account the wide variety of guests visiting Bavaria’s most popular attraction. From the people who work at BMW Welt and customers collecting their new cars, to families from the Munich area, tourists from around the world and discerning aficionados of gourmet cuisine – the various eateries offer a broad spread of options for every taste. Particular emphasis has been placed on bringing together regionality and internationality – reflecting the Munich-based heritage of BMW and Käfer – with sustainability front and centre.

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life. 

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Munich. BMW Welt showcases not only BMW Group Brands, but also exciting future-focused topics to be experienced by a diverse public audience.

These days, it’s impossible to imagine Munich’s skyline – not to mention the cultural and events scene of the Bavarian capital – without BMW Welt.

As one of the most visited sites in Bavaria, BMW Welt is renowned for its award-winning futuristic architecture, as well as its main attraction: the opportunity to experience BMW Group brands up close. This happens in exciting workshops during which children and adults alike can deeply engage with future-focused topics.

Munich. Following extensive renovation work, BMW Welt reopens its doors today and presents new highlights for an exciting brand experience. As part of the reopening, a major innovation is in the pipeline: The new BMW Welt app offers visitors an innovative experience by combining BMW Welt's offerings with virtual content.

“With the reopening of BMW Welt, our visitors can look forward to new worlds of experience and events. One of the highlights is the BMW Welt app, which will be available at the end of February and will allow visitors to discover our museum in a completely new, immersive way. Virtual tours, gamification and detailed information about our vehicles make it the ideal companion for a visit to BMW Welt. We have also made many technological and technical optimisations to improve existing attractions and offers,” says Sandra Wittemer, Head of BMW Welt.

BMW Welt App: New technology with personalised tour guide

The BMW Welt App, which will be available to download from the end of February, turns a tour of BMW Welt into an interactive and informative adventure. A virtual tour with 16 stations is available to guests. The BMW Welt app offers a digital AI avatar as a personal tour guide. The tour can be started at any time at the touch of a button, allowing visitors to freely determine both the starting point and the pace of their own tour. The international audience can also be guided through event areas and exhibits in two languages if required.

If a vehicle particularly catches your eye, the BMW Welt app offers the opportunity to marvel at it as a digital 360° model on your smartphone. All you need to do is activate the smartphone camera via the BMW Welt app and capture a QR code on the exhibit. If required, the corresponding data sheets with all vehicle specifications are available for download.

In addition to the new exploration functions of BMW Welt, the BMW Welt app also provides attractive offers and discounts for the shop, restaurants and car hire as well as other functions such as a quiz, a scavenger hunt and the MINI Arcade as part of a major raffle.

BMW Welt's reopening week also has a lot to offer beyond the app: In addition to its role as a photo point, the BMW Isetta on display will also be driven through BMW Welt several times a day to hand out free gingerbread hearts to all guests. And on Valentine's Day, the kiss cam in the red BMW X3 and the Valentine's photo backdrop in the MINI area will be available for couples to take photos together.

New exhibition areas and business space

Much has been changed and renovated in the exhibition areas of BMW Welt. With the M Clubhouse, BMW M presents a new experience that combines the inviting character of a living room with the motorsport fascination of a BMW M garage. Highlights include the new BMW M5* in a unique design by artist Fillin Guas and a special sound installation that brings the Nürburgring to Munich.

In the newly designed BMW area, an interactive and informative space was created for the topics Charging, My BMW App and RELAX. WE CARE. In addition, UNO Car Party can be played with the whole family via AirConsole.

The BMW Welt Business Center has also been redesigned and will welcome guests from 18 February. Still bookable for conferences, meetings or similar events, elegant earth tones and golden accents in the fabrics and materials used create a modern look and an inviting ambience.

Event highlights until spring

The reopening also marks the start of BMW Welt's event year. Due to high demand, the BMW Welt yoga programme will continue from 22 February. From the children's music theatre “Frank and Bert” by the Bavarian State Opera on 2 March to the PULSE opening event on 8 March in the double cone and the planned start of this year's Internationales Krimifestival München on 4 April in BMW Welt, where Prof. Dr. Hendrik Streeck will read from his new business thriller “Das Institut”, there is already a lot on offer early in the year.

Fans of unusual sounds can expect something very special on 27 April: “Sound Journey on Four Wheels - A Children's Concert at BMW Welt”, a musical collaboration between the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and BMW that focuses on the car.

Further highlights are already on the horizon for the rest of the year: the BMW Welt Campus will not only once again offer a holiday programme, but also the vr4kids road safety exercise. During this interactive 3D experience, children experience dangerous situations from everyday road traffic in a safe, digital environment and can train their behaviour accordingly. A new charging station for electric vehicles is also being built outside BMW Welt and will be officially unveiled in autumn.

Further information can be found on the BMW Welt website.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Lisa Meindl
Spokesperson BMW Museum and BMW Welt
Phone: +49 89 382 31668
Email: lisa.meindl@bmw.de

Simone Bauer

Communication BMW Welt

Phone: +49 151 601 414 52

Email: simone.bauer@bmw.de

Michael Stadler

Phone: +49 89 381 08 119

Email: bmwwelt@haebmau.de

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

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Munich. After serving as Executive Chef of BMW Welt’s “EssZimmer by Käfer” for more than a decade, star chef Bobby Bräuer will be leaving the restaurant, effective 31 December 2024. Throughout his career, the Munich native has showcased his culinary expertise at many different locations, including Düsseldorf, Berlin and Kitzbühel, and his creations have received accolades from leading gastronomy guides.

In 2012, Bräuer took over as chef de cuisine at EssZimmer, earning his first Michelin star within a year and a second just one year later. Under his leadership, EssZimmer by Käfer evolved into one of Germany's top gourmet destinations.

“With EssZimmer, we have created a wonderful haven for culinary enjoyment, a place where I could truly make my mark. Leaving EssZimmer is not an easy decision, but I am excited about exploring new projects and look forward to returning soon as a guest. Thank you to BMW and Käfer for 12 remarkable years,” said Bräuer.

Sandra Wittemer, head of BMW Welt, paid tribute to Bräuer’s achievements: “Bobby Bräuer has transformed EssZimmer into a premier gourmet destination. His culinary expertise has been a true enrichment for BMW Welt's gastronomic offering.”

As a farewell gift, Bräuer has created the “Menu Classique”, which will be served at EssZimmer by Käfer until the end of December. “We will be revealing our plans for the future shortly!” promised Wittemer.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Lisa Meindl, spokesperson, BMW Museum and BMW Welt

Telephone: +49-89-382-31668

Email: lisa.meindl@bmw.de

Simone Bauer, Communications BMW Welt

Telephone: +49 151 601 414 52

Email: simone.bauer@bmw.de

David Groher, LHLK Agentur für Kommunikation GmbH

Telephone: +49-89-720187-264

Email: BMWWelt@lhlk.de

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

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Munich. As summer slowly draws to an end, BMW Welt has lined up a diverse program of highlights for the coming months before it temporarily closes in January 2025 for refurbishment. From glamorous award ceremonies and impressive concerts to exciting technology updates, there’s something in store for everyone.

“With a varied program running until the end of the year and exciting new developments as part of the refurbishment work scheduled for early 2025, we look forward to continuing to inspire and delight our guests,” says Sandra Wittemer, Head of BMW Welt.

New digital vehicle consultation at BMW Welt

In addition to the existing in-person consultations, BMW Welt now offers a digital vehicle consultation service. Using innovative technology and the EVE (Emotional Virtual Experience), customers can now configure their dream vehicles from the comfort of their homes. You can find the link to the digital vehicle consultation here.

“Multiball” in “The Campus”

BMW Welt’s interactive learning space for children and teenagers, “The Campus”, now features a new highlight. The “Multiball” system transforms a simple wall into an interactive gaming surface. Projected images and motion sensors allow users to play a variety of sports games, such as tennis or football, using a ball or even their body. The “Multiball” experience is available now at The Campus at BMW Welt.

12 October: Bavarian Sports Award 2024

After a year marked by sporting highlights like the European Football Championship and the Olympic Games, BMW Welt will once again be the stage for the Bavarian Sports Award. On 12 October 2024, athletes and guests will gather here to honour outstanding sporting achievements in a celebratory atmosphere.

23 October: “Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award”

When the spotlights shine on the “Blue Carpet” at BMW Welt, it’s time once again for the “Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award”. On 23 October 2024, top talents and personalities from the German television and streaming landscape will be honoured at BMW Welt. This glamorous awards ceremony, held as part of the Bavarian Media Days, attracts stars and media professionals from across Germany to Munich. With a dazzling awards show followed by an aftershow party, the evening promises plenty of excitement and lively entertainment. BMW Welt’s unique architecture has made it a sought-after filming location and the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event.

25 October: Benefit concert

Once again, the “Helping Hands Staff of BMW Group e. V.” association invites you to attend its annual benefit concert at BMW Welt on 25 October. The purpose of the event is to support children with disabilities. Under the patronage of Dr Martin Kimmich, donations will be collected to help fund, among other things, the purchase of therapy equipment. Everyone involved – from musicians to technicians – is an unpaid volunteer, ensuring that all proceeds go directly to supporting children in need. Tickets are available via this link.

9 November: Claire Douglas reading – Crime Festival at BMW Welt

In early November, fans of crime fiction can fasten their seatbelts and take a thrilling detour into a world of suspense. As part of the 20th International Crime Festival, thriller queen Claire Douglas will reveal the secrets of her No. 1 Spiegel bestseller “Girls’ Night”. Anyone who wishes to experience the live reading up close on 9 November in BMW Welt’s Double Cone can register now, without obligation, at mail@krimifestival-muenchen.de. For more information about the readings and the Crime Festival’s programme, please visit www.krimifestival-muenchen.de.

November to December: Magical moments at the Candlelight Concerts

Magical moments await visitors at BMW Welt in the second half of the year – with the Candlelight Concerts on 21 and 22 December. The highlight of the series will take place even earlier, on 30 November, when the Candlelight Concert will feature aerial acrobatics. Further details and tickets are available here.

Preview for 2025: BMW Welt to temporarily close for renovation work

To enhance the visitor and customer experience, BMW Welt will undergo extensive renovations and structural changes in early 2025, necessitating a five-week closure to the public starting on 7 January 2025. These renovations are an important step in redesigning the experience and event areas. During the aforementioned closure, vehicle deliveries will be suspended, but the new digital consultation service will remain available throughout January 2025.

So, if you’re planning a visit to BMW Welt, be sure to do so before the end of the year. BMW Welt will reopen to visitors on 10 February 2025. “The renovations will give BMW Welt a fresh new look, allowing us to offer an even better delivery experience for our customers. We’re excited about the upcoming changes,” adds Sandra Wittemer, Head of BMW Welt.

For more information, please visit the BMW Welt website.

+++ BMW Group creates spaces for collaboration +++ Iconic works by Karl Schwanzer, Zaha Hadid and the Vienna architect team Coop Himmelb(l)au +++ Architecture Day on 29 and 30 June +++

Munich. The BMW Group headquarters in Munich, the neighbouring BMW Welt and the BMW Group Plant Leipzig have one thing in common: they are three award-winning architectural landmarks where aesthetics and functionality form a successful dialogue. They amaze and delight both inside and out, and demonstrate that the architecture of a commercial corporation also means responsibility — for the people who work in the buildings and for the cityscape that shapes them. In Munich, the Group headquarters, together with BMW Welt, have become a figurehead of the Bavarian state capital.

“At the BMW Group, people and places go hand in hand. When planning new buildings, we always take a holistic view. What spatial structure the respective areas require, what environment our employees need for good teamwork and how we use space efficiently are central aspects to be considered. Architecture creates something lasting. At the BMW Group, we see it as part of our social responsibility to make a valuable contribution to our employees and our environment,” says Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, and Labour Relations Director.

Architecture Day on 29 and 30 June is an occasion for the BMW Group to take a look at its iconic buildings and show how architecture creates spaces for innovation and modern ways of working.

At the BMW Group, real estate and personnel development are closely interlinked. Employees, their respective competencies and required space work together and determine building structures. Sustainable and optimal space planning, particularly in light of energy consumption, is just as important as creating a positive and pleasant room atmosphere in which employees feel comfortable. Successful interior design is based on the needs of the people who work there. It promotes efficiency, interactions and creativity. It is when a brilliant and fitting idea is consistently and confidently implemented in command of what is possible. This corporate culture is a recurring thread throughout the BMW Group’s architectural statements.

A landmark shapes the BMW Group’s architectural language

The BMW Group headquarters in Munich, the distinctive four-cylinder engine, has achieved world fame. The landmark completed in 1972, planned by Austrian architect Professor Karl Schwanzer, was bold and visionary at the time. The construction alone — from top to bottom using a suspended structure — was and is spectacular. The building became the springboard for the company’s architectural philosophy, which still applies today: a precise, timeless and self-confident design language represents the Group to the outside world and at the same time forges a building structure that creates meeting places and functional spaces for efficient work processes inside.

BMW Welt: Architecture enhances experience 

The approach that architecture creates places of encounter was consistently implemented with BMW Welt, which opened in 2007 at the Group location in Munich. Here, the BMW Group brands — BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad — come alive, people from all nations meet, future topics become visible. Designed by the Viennese team of architects Coop Himmelb(l)au, the futuristic building, which is connected to the corporate headquarters and the BMW Museum via a dynamically spanned bridge, attracts an audience of millions of every year. It is impossible to imagine Munich’s cityscape without the listed BMW Welt, the company’s shop window, as it were. It is a building that wows people — both inside and outside — and whose visit lives long in the memory.

Transparency at BMW Group plant in Leipzig 

The BMW Group plant in Leipzig also joins the ranks of architectural icons. The building, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects of London and opened in 2005, is another example of how architecture supports communication and encounter. The building, which was awarded the German Architecture Prize, works with maximum transparency: the manufactured cars float on a 600-metre-long, open conveyor line through the building, visible to everyone, even from the canteen. Working in the building is characterised by short distances between production areas, transparent and efficient work processes, and a high level of communication and cooperation across specialist areas.

Architecture creates spaces for new ways of working

Working environments are changing, job requirements have changed. At the BMW Group, employees work together in cross-thematic and cross-functional teams; meetings and knowledge-sharing are encouraged. Architecture creates the spaces for this future-oriented work: workplaces are used flexibly, there are meeting areas that enable spontaneous and low-threshold meetings, and in addition, retreat spaces allow concentrated work. Design goes beyond purely functional requirements: architecture has the potential to design places where employees feel comfortable and promote innovative thinking and creative exchange. The BMW Group is pursuing this approach with ConnectedWorkplace and is implementing it at all existing and new locations worldwide.

Talent Campus as a meeting place 

The modern Talent Campus, which is currently being built at the Group site in Munich and is becoming the BMW Group’s new training and continuing education hub, is a good example of how architecture creates spaces for collaboration and at the same time how a building enriches its environment. In the modern structure, which is transparently designed with large windows and in which the more than 40,000 employees in Munich will receive training and continuing education in the future, the rooms are open and can be used in variable ways. The room layout can be adjusted or retrofitted at any time, making the construction particularly sustainable. The redesigned green spaces become a meeting point between production and the neighbourhood, and a public café invites visitors to exchange ideas. The construction also moves with the times: while in the four-cylinder façade elements made from cast aluminium processes were the eye-catcher, the Talent Campus is a wooden structure. The renewable raw material creates a natural effect and a warm room atmosphere that invites you to learn.

Parent plant in Munich: Working environments allow networking

Employees are also dealing with new topics in terms of content. Digitalisation and electric mobility require a new working environment. The restructuring of the BMW Group parent plant in Munich, not far from the Group headquarters, shows just how profound this change is. The parent plant is being redesigned as the largest investment project in the company’s history to produce the all-electric Neue Klasse in the future. This is where content transformation and architectural development go hand in hand. Once again, visionary thinking is about to break ground: as part of the architecture competition, the two architecture firms OMA from Rotterdam and 3XN from Copenhagen have created visions that enable technologies and employees to be networked. In the long term, the aim is to create a connection between the plant site and the neighbourhood and city. This is of particular importance here, as the main plant is located in an urban environment.

Munich. BMW Welt showcases not only BMW Group Brands, but also exciting future-focused topics to be experienced by a diverse public audience.

These days, it’s impossible to imagine Munich’s skyline – not to mention the cultural and events scene of the Bavarian capital – without BMW Welt.

It welcomes over 3 million guests every year, making it one of the most visited sites in Bavaria. BMW Welt is renowned for its award-winning futuristic architecture, as well as its main attraction: the opportunity to experience BMW Group brands up close. This happens in exciting workshops during which children and adults alike can deeply engage with future-focused topics such as autonomous driving

Munich. On July 16, 2020 at 4 pm (CET), BMW Welt is inviting fans to a virtual panel discussion about the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, the first race series for all-electric single-seater vehicles. This year, following the enforced break due to Covid-19, the series will resume from August 5 with a total of six races, all in Berlin. 

High-profile guests for this exclusive panel discussion will include Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E, Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Experience BMW, Maximilian Günther, BMW i Andretti Motorsport Driver, Rupert Buchsteiner, Vice President at Magna International, Andreas Buchner, Head of Development High Voltage electric Machine and eDrive Unit, BMW Group, and Rudolf Dittrich, General Manager BMW Motorsport Vehicle Development. Anyone can take part in the event at the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt free of charge via social media channels or the BMW Welt website and get insights into the concept and vision of Formula E as well as its technical background and impact. The event will be hosted by Nicki Shields, TV presenter and journalist. 

Formula E – the pioneer in motor racing.

To kick off the event, Jamie Reigle will talk about the pioneering spirit of Formula E, followed by the first topic for the panel discussion: the vision and success factors of Formula E. The panel will then consider the following questions: How did Formula E come about? What is the basic concept of the platform? Are efficiency and energy management its success factors? What makes Formula E different from other race series and why are there so many familiar faces from the other race series? The panel will also look at the future of Formula E and the impact of Covid-19 on the motor racing industry. 

The second part of the event will focus on the technology of the new race series: Why is Formula E an innovation lab for the BMW Group and an important player in the development of future mobility? How does BMW series production benefit from the rapid developments in Formula E and which specific product innovations can car owners expect to see in the future? The experts will then be available to take questions from online participants. 

The discussions will be held in English. For more information on the event and the live stream go to https://www.bmw-welt.com/futureforum.

The FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt.

The FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt is dedicated to issues of the future. Since October 2019 it has been a new meeting place and a modern dialog platform for the movers and shakers of tomorrow. In May the focus was on the continuing electrification of our world, followed by events relating to the sounds of the future. During the rest of the year there will be more exciting live formats and live streams on topics such as future technologies, next generation and sustainability. 

The ABB FIA Formula E Championship.

The ABB FIA Formula E Championship is the world’s first race series for all-electric single-seater vehicles. Sitting in the cockpits and delivering exciting races on fascinating street courses in major cities are some of the best racing drivers in the world. Formula E comes to fans in city centers, bringing electric mobility directly to the people in shows packed with action and emotion and set in stunning locations. BMW i and Formula E have been partners right from the start. As an Official Vehicle Partner, BMW i has been providing the entire fleet of safety vehicles since the first season and has been actively involved in the development of the race series. BMW i Andretti Motorsport is currently competing in its second season as a works team.

The dates at a glance:

Panel discussion “Formula E – a pioneering racing series”. Live stream from the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt at BMW Welt: 

When:              July 16, 2020, from 4 (CET)

Where:             FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt 

Admission:      Livestream from the Future Forum, online on any BMW Welt social media channel or at https://www.bmw-welt.com/futureforum

Experts:           Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E

                          Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Experience BMW 

Maximilian Günther, BMW i Andretti Motorsport Driver 

Rupert Buchsteiner, Vice President, Magna International

Andreas Buchner, Head of Development High Voltage electric Machine and eDrive Unit, BMW Group

Rudolf Dittrich, General Manager BMW Motorsport Vehicle Development

Munich. In the coming weeks, the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt dialog platform will be providing exciting insights into the world of tomorrow. The overriding theme for May and June is electrification. With input from a variety of experts, this topic will be viewed from lots of different angles. Among other things, the individual events will focus on the life cycle of a battery, the logistical challenges of electrification and the sound of e-mobility. The latter also marks the start of the new series of events on the subject of sound with Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce.

Energy and mobility in transition.

Electrification stands for new drives and energy structures and as yet unknown possibilities in vehicle and sound design. This trend will play a major role for cities of the future because electric mobility will become a central component of a smart and resource-saving urban lifestyle. But innovations in this field will impact not only the automotive industry. Electrification will affect the entire logic of energy and mobility. Electric vehicles will become cross-innovations that will transcend conventional industry boundaries and will be used in the future as additional flexible energy storage devices for the smart power grid. 

May 19, 2020, from 7 pm: Life of a battery.

One particular question is at the heart of discussions on electrification, namely how will electrical energy be stored. For this reason, the first event in the series is dedicated entirely to the battery. Experts in battery research, development and recycling will highlight the different stages of a battery’s life cycle – from the extraction of the raw materials to battery manufacture and from usage to secondary recycling. Among the guests are Michael Baumann, Co-Founder & Managing Director from Twaice, Dr. Matthias Buchert, Head of Resources and Mobility at the Öko-Institut e.V., Matthias Dohrn, Senior Vice President at BASF and Andreas Raith, Head of R&D Battery Technology, BMW Group.

In addition to purely technical aspects, the focus will also be on environmental protection and responsibility, as well as research into alternatives and superbatteries. Please note that this event will be held in German.

May 28, 2020, from 7 pm: Power to go: focus on charging infrastructure.

What will the charging infrastructure look like in the next one to two years? And what about in five to ten years? Experts and young innovators from the fields of energy management, charging infrastructure and charging technologies such as Daniela Märkl (Juice Technology) and Lex Hartmann (Ubitricity) will tackle these and other questions as part of a panel discussion. The event will be hosted by Thomas Köhler, an expert and thought leader on digitalization and cyber security. Among other things, it will consider current diversity of suppliers, the new phenomenon of range anxiety and the Smart Grid power network. Please note that this event will be held in German.

June 3, 2020, from 7 pm: Reclaim the future – storage for the energy revolution: why solar power plants and wind turbines alone are not enough.

Together with cooperation partner 1E9, an event from the RECLAIM THE FUTURE that has been launched in April series will also take place in June. This will be all about how sustainable power can best be stored in the city of the future. A wide variety of solutions are being investigated worldwide, such as home storage systems which can be combined to form a virtual power plant. Other researchers are focusing on electric vehicles that can become part of the electricity grid or plants that use excess electricity to produce gas that can later be used to generate electricity. The various concepts will be presented and scrutinized at the event. Please note that this event will be held in German.

June 23, 2020, from 7 pm: Soundscapes of electrification.

In June, an English-language series of events will be launched at the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt on the subject of sound with Renzo Vitale. The series kicks off with “Soundscapes of electrification” in which Renzo Vitale and selected experts and artists will embark on a multi-faceted journey through the various aspects of sound. What will electrification sound like? What new possibilities will sound engineering open up? Cities, cars and music – how will new technology change their sound? The topic will be examined from various perspectives in thought-provoking presentations from such experts as Dr. Brigitte Schulte-Fortkamp, Professor of Psychoacoustics and Noise Effects at the Technical University of Berlin. 

The complete calendar of events and further information on all the events and live streams can be found at www.bmw-welt.com/futureforum.

The dates at a glance:

FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt 

When:                May and June  

Where:             Digital (all information here)

Attendance:    Free of charge

Munich. On Wednesday, precisely 12:08, almost eight years to the day since it opened, BMW Welt welcomed its 20 millionth visitor. Dieter Reiter, Mayor of Munich, and Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Welt, greeted the visibly surprised guests, the Wald family from Aachen. Visitors from all over the world sent their congratulations in video messages. On behalf of BMW Welt, the current German Touring Car Masters (DTM) champion, Marco Wittmann, presented a special prize to the guests of honor – the keys to a new BMW X1 which Mr. Wald can drive for one whole year.

Visitors and employees of BMW Welt witnessed a special occasion when the unsuspecting guests were welcomed shortly after midday by Helmut Käs and Dieter Reiter. This was an unforgettable experience for Christoph Wald, his wife Stefanie and his two children, Alina and Fabian. "BMW Welt is the shop window of the BMW Group. We are therefore delighted to welcome our 20 millionth visitors after only eight years. Our huge popularity among people from Germany and abroad underlines the attractiveness of the BMW Group and all its brands", said Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Welt.

Mayor Dieter Reiter and DTM champion Marco Wittmann added their congratulations

With more than three million visitors in 2014, BMW Welt is Bavaria's most visited attraction and occupies a special place in the hearts of the Munich people, as Dieter Reiter, Mayor of Munich, pointed out in his speech: "In only a few years, BMW Welt has become a famous landmark in Munich. It stands for the attractiveness of this modern city and is contributing to the success of Munich as a tourist destination."

The arrival of the guests of honor was accompanied by fireworks and congratulations from around the world. Representing all the 20 million visitors to BMW Welt, the Wald family received a very special thank-you. Marco Wittmann, the current DTM champion for BMW, surprised the guests of honor with a new BMW X1 that they can enjoy for one whole year.

20 million visitors from all around the world

Since it was officially opened in 2007, BMW Welt has become a real magnet for visitors in only a few years. Last year, BMW Welt established a new record with more than three million visitors. That is more than three and a half times as many as the 850,000 originally envisaged at the planning and construction stage. A good 30 percent of visitors are German. Most of the guests from abroad come from the USA, followed by Asia and the Middle East. Our neighbors Austria and Italy are also well represented. Around 35 percent of guests have visited BMW Welt more than once.

Throughout the year, in addition to the worlds of experiences of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, BMW Welt offers a wide-ranging programme of events from the worlds of culture, art and entertainment, plus guided tours, excellent restaurants and the car handover experience.

If you have any queries, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications

Bernhard Ederer

Spokesperson BMW Welt

Phone: +49-89-382-28556

mailto: bernhard.ederer@bmwgroup.com

Internet: www.press.bmw.de

BMW Welt – at the heart of the brand, on the pulse of the city

With more than 3 million visitors in 2014, BMW Welt in Munich is Bavaria's most visited attraction and has become a real magnet for visitors since its opening in 2007. With its pioneering architecture, BMW Welt is the heart of all the brands in the BMW Group – BMW, the sub-brands BMW M and BMW i, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW Motorrad, which are impressively presented in their own worlds of experience. But it is not only the exhibitions and the collection of new vehicles that are highlights for car lovers from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy a year-round programme of varied events covering culture, art and entertainment along with culinary delights in several restaurants. Whether it's a jazz concert, clubbing event, a film première, gala event or panel discussion – BMW Welt is the perfect platform for innovative events. In the BMW Welt Junior Campus, children and youngsters can enjoy exciting guided tours and workshops on the themes of mobility and sustainability.

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. In 2014, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.118 million cars and 123,000 motorcycles worldwide.

The profit before tax for the financial year 2014 was € 8.71 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group had a workforce of 116,324 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Attached please find all single texts of the press kit "The overall BMW Welt experience" for download.

Summary – The overall BMW Welt experience

The BMW Welt “ensemble” – formed by the BMW Welt, the BMW Museum and the BMW Plant – has quickly become one of Bavaria’s top attractions. This is where the past, present and future of the world’s most successful premium automobile manufacturer come together to create a comprehensive brand experience. Together, the BMW Plant, the BMW Museum and the BMW Welt form a whole: the complete BMW Welt experience. The complete BMW Welt experience is an important interface between the company, the brand, its products and the visitor. The proximity of this unique building with its futuristic architecture to all major areas of the BMW Group’s Munich location, combined with the opportunity of visiting the Museum and taking a guided tour of the Plant on the same day, makes this a unique three-pronged brand experience. The ensemble of the BMW Welt, the BMW Museum and the BMW Plant represents the clear commitment of the BMW Group to its home city of Munich.

1.   Tradition and future at the Munich location  

The Munich location is both heart and brain of the BMW Group. The BMW Plant Munich, the main plant for the BMW brand, is located right next-door to the BMW Building, also known as the “Four Cylinder”. Also close by is the BMW Group’s Research and Innovation Centre, where around 9,000 employees work on solutions for the future.

The history of BMW’s Munich location is a story of continuity, flexibility and innovation. Over a period of more than 90 years, the company has evolved from a manufacturer of aircraft engines to a producer of upmarket motorcycles, to one of the world’s leading suppliers of premium vehicles and premium services for individual mobility. The founding stone for this success story was laid with the establishment of the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (BFW) in 1916 and the formation of the Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH in 1917. Since 1922, BMW’s main plant has been in Munich, in the heart of the city – open to visitors, neighbours and customers alike.

When BMW decided to build its own experience and delivery centre in the late 1990s, there was no question about the perfect location: The centre could only be built close to the Group headquarters, main plant and museum – because this is the home of the brand, where its successful history began.

2.   The BMW Welt. Home of the brands.  

All customers who purchase a new BMW vehicle have the option of collecting their car from the BMW Welt, the very heart of the brand. Many BMW customers and fans – who often travel from farther afield – take advantage of this opportunity to spend an unforgettable day at the BMW Welt. The BMW Welt is so much more than just a delivery centre: As a brand experience forum, it invites guests to immerse themselves in the company’s world. This is where the BMW Group really comes to life: As home to the brands, the BMW Welt presents the BMW Group and its four brands together under one roof. Rotating product exhibitions, as well as all automobile series and motorcycles and a large number of interactive exhibits, open up the world of BMW, BMW M, BMW i, BMW Motorrad, MINI and Rolls Royce to the visitor. Each brand has its own experience area, which distinctly captures the essence of each brand. The BMW Group company also has its own exhibition for the first time.

The design of the different areas reflects the individual brand identities and the corresponding corporate identity. Interactive exhibits provide numerous points of contact and allow each visitor to experience the brands hands-on. All vehicles are open and unlocked and can be appreciated with all senses from the driver’s seat. A so-called “Product Genius” – a highly-qualified BMW Welt technical expert – is always on hand to answer more in-depth questions and provide detailed information on vehicles and technologies on a personal, one-to-one basis. The BMW Welt’s unique brand experience is rounded out with a new event concept, which allows the different brands to host their own events. Events like the BMW Jazz Award or MINI Clubbing highlight brand values and are geared towards each brand’s target group. In addition, the Junior Campus Portal provides the BMW Welt’s younger visitors with an introduction to the world of mobility, which they are invited to discover with a passion. The BMW Welt is also a popular venue and event location.

Around 2.5 million people visited the BMW Welt in 2012. On 4 July 2012, the BMW Welt welcomed its ten-millionth visitor. It is, and intends to remain, Bavaria’s most popular attraction.

3.   The BMW Museum. History up close

The BMW Museum was built in 1973, together with the BMW headquarters, commonly known as the “Four Cylinder”. The BMW Museum concept focuses on the fascination of the BMW brand. Its display of historical automobiles, motorcycles, race car and aircraft engines invites visitors to discover BMW’s technological horizons and design history: from the very beginnings, early last century, all the way into the new millennium. With its wide variety of original exhibits, the BMW Museum appeals to guests from all over the world and welcomes up to 480,000 visitors a year. Visitor numbers are steadily increasing, and the BMW Museum has established itself as one of Munich’s most popular museums.

Since reopening in 2008, the BMW Museum has occupied a new space, with new content: With five times the exhibition space, the BMW Museum’s new approach highlights BMW’s competence and innovative strength. Over an area of 5,000 m2, vehicles, themes, architecture, design and media concepts combine to form a modern composition of exhibits from past, present and future, thereby creating a memorable brand experience.

The range of topics covers the history of the BMW company, its brands and products, combined with a broad range of developments in design, technology and motor sports. Passing through 25 focus topics, visitors meander along “museum roads” and become part of an intense brand experience. The permanent BMW Museum exhibition is supplemented by fascinating temporary and special exhibitions, as well as a wide range of different cultural events. Special programmes for children and young people complete the offering.

4.   The BMW Plant Munich. Innovative. Creative. Flexible.

The BMW Plant Munich is the BMW Group’s main plant. Located in the north of Munich, directly next to the Group headquarters, it builds more than 900 BMW 3 Series models (Touring and Sedan) and engines per day – four and eight-cylinder petrol engines, six-cylinder diesel engines, high-performance engines for BMW M models, as well as twelve-cylinder engines. Each of the six generations of the BMW 3 Series was built at this location steeped in tradition.

The main plant within the city of Munich is the heart of the BMW Group. Vehicles and engines have been produced at this location since 1922. The BMW Plant Munich’s multi-layered infrastructure, which has developed in parallel with the urban residential area that surrounds it, is reflected in its sophisticated plant facilities and innovative production processes. The smooth interaction between production, logistics, transport and administration in such a confined area is one of the most impressive achievements in modern automobile construction worldwide.

The BMW Plant Munich employs a workforce of around 9,000 people from more than 50 countries, including more than 700 apprentices. The Plant houses all automobile production technologies – Press Shop, Body Shop, Paint Shop, Engine Production and Assembly, as well as a Tool Shop, Production of Equipment and Seats, and a Laboratory – in an area of 500,000 m2. It belongs to the BMW Group’s global production network of 29 sites in 14 countries, and as part of the BMW Welt, also serves as a “window on the world of BMW production”. Individual tours provide a unique and authentic insight into automobile production today.

The BMW Plant Munich is the “lead plant” for production of the current BMW 3 Series, and serves as an internal competence centre: Process and technology know-how and the experience that comes from almost 90 years of automobile construction are transferred from here to the BMW Group’s other production locations.

If you have any queries, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Martina Napoleone

Spokesperson BMW Welt

Phone: +49 89 382-14908

mailto: martina.napoleone@bmw.de

Stefan Behr

Spokesperson BMW Museum

Tel.: +49 89 382-51376

mailto: stefan.behr@bmw.de

Martina Hatzel

Spokesperson Production Network and BMW Plant Munich

Tel.: +49 89 382-11966

mailto: martina.hatzel@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en