Attraction
Marienplatz and New Town Hall
Munich's central square, overlooked by the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall with its Glockenspiel, an 85-metre tower reached by lift and a courtyard open to all.
BMW Museum
BMW's company museum in its 1973 'salad bowl' building opposite BMW Welt, telling the brand's story through cars, motorcycles, engines and design studies.
At a glance
- Type
- Automotive museum
- Area
- Milbertshofen, Munich, Germany
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Monday) · 10:00–18:00
- Official site
- bmw-welt.com
Good to know
- Lockers
- Card payment only
- Online timed tickets
- BMW Welt opposite
Why we recommend it
The BMW Museum stands beside the carmaker's headquarters tower, also designed by Schwanzer, in the north of Munich, next to the Olympiapark. The silver, bowl-shaped building was designed by the Viennese architect Karl Schwanzer and opened in 1973, shortly after the Olympic Games. It was renovated and greatly enlarged between 2004 and 2008, when BMW Welt, the company's delivery and exhibition centre, was built directly opposite, and it reopened in June 2008.
The museum tells the story of BMW through engines, motorcycles, racing cars and production models, along with design studies from recent decades. Exhibits are grouped into themed areas, including the House of the Company, House of Design, House of the Motorcycle, House of Technology, House of Motorsport and House of the Series. The Art Car Gallery displays BMWs painted by artists, and there is also a Place of Remembrance. Temporary exhibitions change through the year.
The museum suits car and motorcycle enthusiasts, design fans and families; children up to 10 enter free, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are valid for five hours, which gives an idea of how much there is to see, though two hours is enough for most visitors. Online booking with a timed entry is recommended on busy days, and cash is not accepted at the museum, only cards and mobile payments. Large bags, umbrellas, food and drink are not allowed in, but lockers are available.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with last admission at 17:30, and is closed on Mondays. BMW Welt, across the footbridge, is free to enter and open long hours every day, with new cars and motorcycles on display, shops and restaurants. Guided tours of the BMW Group plant next door are offered through BMW Welt and need to be booked separately.
Take the U3 to Olympiazentrum, from where BMW Welt and the museum are a five to seven minute walk. The Olympiapark is just across the road, so it is easy to combine the museum with a walk up the Olympiaberg or a visit to the Olympic Stadium on the same day.
BMW Museum FAQs
What are the BMW Museum's opening hours?
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with last admission at 17:30. Closed on Mondays.
Can I pay cash at the BMW Museum?
No. The museum accepts cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay but not cash.
Is BMW Welt free?
Yes. BMW Welt, opposite the museum, is free to enter.
How long is a ticket valid?
Museum tickets are valid for five hours. Most visitors spend about two hours inside.
Are children allowed?
Yes. Children up to 10 enter free, and under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring a bag?
Large bags, umbrellas, food and drink are not allowed, but lockers are available.
How do I get to the BMW Museum?
Take the U3 to Olympiazentrum and walk five to seven minutes.
Should I book in advance?
Booking online with a timed entry is recommended on busy days.