Date: March 12, 2025
Source: BMW Global Newsroom
An extraordinary fusion of art and automotive innovation takes center stage.
BMW has announced a global celebration of its legendary Art Car series, a unique blend of automotive design and artistic expression that has captivated enthusiasts for decades. The initiative highlights BMW’s enduring commitment to culture, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what cars can represent beyond transportation.
The Birth of an Artistic Movement
The BMW Art Car project began in 1975, initiated by French race car driver Hervé Poulain, who invited American artist Alexander Calder to paint his BMW 3.0 CSL. The car debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, merging art and motorsport on a global stage. This pioneering collaboration laid the foundation for a legacy where art and speed collide.
Legendary Artists and Iconic Designs
Over the years, BMW has collaborated with 19 world-renowned artists, each bringing their distinct creative vision to life through automotive design. Notable Art Cars include:
- Andy Warhol (1979, BMW M1) — Warhol hand-painted the car in just 28 minutes, creating a vivid, dynamic representation of speed itself.
- Jeff Koons (2010, BMW M3 GT2) — Koons’ vibrant design symbolized explosive energy, inspired by pop culture and racing.
- Jenny Holzer (1999, BMW V12 LMR) — Known for her conceptual art, Holzer covered the car with powerful, thought-provoking phrases.
- David Hockney (1995, BMW 850CSi) — Hockney depicted the inner workings of the car on the exterior, blurring the line between interior and exterior design.
Global Events and Digital Access
To mark this celebration, BMW is hosting a series of international exhibitions in major art capitals, including Berlin, New York, Tokyo, and London. Attendees will experience the Art Cars up close, accompanied by interactive digital installations that delve into each artist’s creative process.
For global audiences, BMW is launching an immersive online platform where users can explore the Art Car collection in 3D, access exclusive artist interviews, and trace the history of the program through a rich, multimedia timeline.
Art, Innovation, and the Road Ahead
The Art Car project underscores BMW’s belief that mobility is more than just transportation — it’s a canvas for human creativity. By bringing art to life through engineering, BMW bridges two worlds, inspiring future generations of designers, artists, and car enthusiasts alike.
Stay Connected
To dive deeper into the BMW Art Car universe, fans can visit the official BMW Art Car page or follow BMW Group’s cultural initiatives on Instagram and YouTube.
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