The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for BMW, as it celebrates 50 years of its iconic BMW Art Car program. Launched five decades ago, this innovative series has captivated artists fascinated by automobiles, offering them a unique platform to seamlessly blend art, design, motorsport, and engineering. The program has not only transformed the way we perceive cars but has also challenged traditional boundaries between art and automotive engineering.
To commemorate this landmark anniversary, the BMW Art Cars will embark on an extensive world tour, launching in Europe on March 20, before making their way to Asia. The inaugural event will feature renowned BMW Art Cars, including those created by legendary artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons. These masterpieces will be on display at the Museum of Applied Arts and during the SPARK Art Fair in Vienna, coinciding with the BMW Group Niederlassung Wien event entitled “(R)Evolution of Art.” This dual showcase promises to reflect the longstanding synergy between artistic expression and automotive innovation that defines the Art Car legacy.
The highlight of the tour will be the unveiling of the latest addition to the series, the 20th BMW Art Car—a stunning interpretation of the BMW M Hybrid V8 crafted by the acclaimed American artist Julie Mehretu. This exquisite piece will be presented at Art Basel in Hong Kong from March 28 to 30. Previous iterations of the BMW Art Cars include Warhol’s vibrant design for the fourth car, Hockney’s distinct style captured in Art Car 14, and Koons’ dynamic 17th edition, among others. Recognized by collectors and enthusiasts alike as “rolling sculptures” or “art on wheels,” these vehicles have garnered international acclaim, featuring prominently in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions around the globe.
In an exclusive interview, Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst, who has served as BMW Group’s Global Head of Cultural Engagement since 2003, offers insights into the profound impact of the BMW Art Car series. He discusses how this initiative has not only redefined creative innovation within the automotive industry but has also fostered a deeper appreciation for the interrelationship between art and technology, inspiring future generations of creators and engineers alike.
