One of the top motor museums in the world is the BMW Museum in Munich. On a recent visit I was surprised to meet a number of people who were not BMW owners; it seems that this museum has become one of the major attractions of Munich.
The BMW Museum was built at the same time as the Olympic Stadium with its famous tent roof and the BMW Building. Construction started in 1971 and the Museum was opened in 1973. It was conceived and planned by the same architect, who designed the BMW Building; Professor Dr. Karl Schwanzer from Vienna who gave these two buildings a very different shape, but nevertheless created a unique blend of architecture.
The buildings are so revolutionary in their style that they remain unique to this very day. The special technique applied when constructing the BMW Building was that all 22 floors were built on the ground and then pulled up to the top, each floor suspended from the level above. One might therefore say the Four-Cylinder is a hanging house.
The museum, on the other hand, is designed as a self-supporting body and the reinforced concrete shell supports the roof. The spiral path inside the Museum rests entirely on the columns also supporting the four platforms which constantly increase in size the further up you go.
Contained within this unique museum, not only examples of BMW cars down the years, but the famous aero engines and motor bikes are featured. Be warned you do not pay a lightning visit to this museum; it is easy to spend several hours. There are restaurants and shops and I found the guides, who speak English, very willing to chat and answer questions.
Getting to Munich from Northern Ireland is so easy, Aer Lingus now operate regular flights from Belfast International Airport and Munich has one of the best network of travel systems of any city in Europe. On arriving at Munich Airport, we enquired at a transport desk as to the possibility of obtaining a special discount travel ticket. Within seconds the helpful lady had organised a 5 day pass for train, bus and tram and a cost of 60 euro for 5 days.
DriveWire's Ian Lynas with one of the exhibits
We stayed at the Westin Grand Munchen Arabellapark Hotel and service there was excellent. A choice of restaurants, swimming pool and spa and access to the city was so easy. The choice of underground or tram and in 10 minutes took we were in the centre of Munich. A shopper’s paradise and our visit coincided with the Christmas markets. Surprised to discover that Munich hosts no less than 10.
After a busy day sightseeing in Munich, a welcome return to the Westin Grand Munchen Arabellapark where in the foyer you are greeted by a display of early BMW cars.
Post your comment
Post your comment