BMW Museum

If you happen to find yourself in Munich, and with a few hours up your sleeve, the BMW Museum at Welt is a worthwhile rainy day stopover for any motoring enthusiast, two-wheeled or four.

Currently directed by Ralf Rodepeter, the BMW museum was first opened in 1973 and covered 1000-square metres, but was refurbished between 2004 and 2008, growing to five times its original size. Aimed at reliving the company's lively 90-year history, the BMW Museum is a uniquely modern, almost gallery-like exhibition space that is forever evolving -- a far more interesting approach to the typical chronological representations usually associated with motoring brands.

The setting, in its current guise, divides the display into seven "houses" with a total of 25 individual themes covering all facets of BMW's history from motorcycles and cars, to technology and design. Motorsport enthusiasts are also well catered for with a number of bikes, touring cars and powerplants on display.

A temporary exhibition hall, housed within the famous BMW Museum "bowl" (pictured) hosts seasonal displays throughout its five platforms which, from October, will feature the BMW Art Cars. Including the 17th and newest Jeff Koons creation (also pictured), it's the first time the entire collection has been together in the one place.

The BMW Art Car exhibition will take place from October 6 through June 30.

Also new to the Welt centre, and in response to wants of a growing number of classic BMW enthusiasts, the brand's new Classic Centre at Welt will work with customers to restore older BMWs to an authentic state, as close as possible to the vehicle's "as new" condition. The first example, delivered in early July, was a successful restoration of its customer car, a 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi (pictured).

The customer asked for his car to be transformed into a perfect state, while at the same time being converted from a four-speed manual to an automatic transmission, something that had previously only been done with two prototypes of the BMW 3.0 CSi. Close collaboration with the BMW Group Archive ensured the "large coupe" underwent an authentic conversion process, its automatic transmission sourced from a BMW 2.8 CS.

In parallel with this, the BMW Classic Centre will soon be expanding the manufacture and supply of classic components for enthusiast owners to access from across the globe. Other areas will also be added, including the purchase and sale of restored vehicles, authentication certificates, advice to buyers, plus a worldwide collection and delivery service.

Further information on the Classic Centre is available at www.bmw-classic.com

The BMW Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday with entry from 12 euro for adults. Guided tours are available in German and English. It's recommended you allow at least 2.5 hours for your visit.

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