The BMW Museum in Munich, Germany, opened its 100th anniversary BMW Motorrad exhibition on May 12 to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary. More than just a collection of bicycles, the museum’s “bowl” will include numerous displays covering the history, parts, equipment and recognition of BMW Motorrad clubs around the world. But of course, there will also be bikes, including more than 55 original motorcycles, some of which are on display for the first time on their own platforms, and to keep the spirit of a celebration alive, many models Historical vehicles will be introduced next to the current ones. And looking to the future, the show will also include the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100. For more information, read the press release below.
In honor of these motorized two-wheelers, which have always supported the sporty, dynamic image of Bayerische Motoren Werke and which today contribute significantly to its economic success, the BMW Museum will exhibit displays more than 55 original motorcycles from the past 10 decades at this world-renowned brand. Museumsschüssel (Museum of bowls).
Built in 1973, the architecture of this circular building continues to attract visitors to this day and boasts themed galleries covering about 15 stations. Five larger exhibition levels are dedicated to BMW Motorrad’s most famous designers, various customer interests, the most glamorous motorcycle combinations and remarkable models.
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In addition, unique treasures from the historic classic car collection of the BMW Group will be displayed to the public for the first time on their own dedicated platform.
Thrilling journey through 100 years of BMW Motorrad history
The centerpiece of the exhibition are a number of original motorcycles dating back 100 years, a fitting depiction of the evolution of the BMW Motorrad brand over time. The exhibition also paints tanks, benches, lights, rider’s helmets, frames and smaller technical details to follow interesting developments from the past to the present. The space is also devoted to specific aspects such as motorsports, electric vehicles, research and development and advertising, as well as the fascinating world that the two global explorers experience on BMW motorcycles. their.
Exported to more than 110 countries to date, the company’s vehicles used by the authorities play a decisive role on an international scale. The exhibition will also highlight BMW Motorrad clubs organized around the globe.
Related: BMW Motorrad Days takes place in Berlin, July 7-9
The BMW Museum displays pairs of motorcycles from the past and present
Within the diverse content of the exhibition, the concept of a commemorative exhibition is in principle rooted in the pairing of motorcycles, with a historic vehicle in each case placed next to a current one. This creates many interesting contrasts on the themes of innovation, super-athletes, fusion, full overlays and urban mobility. Visitors will find the most valuable works in the exhibition on the way from platform 2 to Motorsport. Here, two machines are introduced associated with the victory in the Legendary Touring Championship on the Isle of Man: in perhaps the world’s toughest road race, Schorsch Meier succeeds in a BMW R 255 Kompressor and 75 years later, Michael Dunlop finished first in a BMW S 1000 RR.
Related: 2023 BMW S 1000 RR and M 1000 R | First trip review
Here, the exhibition celebrates the drivers, designers and developers in the 100-year history of BMW Motorrad, and references the production process at the BMW Group plant in Berlin-Spandau.
One of the many highlights of the show was the parade of fascinating BMW R 18 models, displayed in various variations. These alone would be worth a separate exhibit in this format. The same is true of the fully wrapped machine from the BMW K1 and BMW R 1250 RT batches.
Related: 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane | Rate first look
The final touch is complemented by the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100, which has been known since 2016 and offers a perspective on the future of motorcycles.
Interactive stations encourage visitors to actively participate in the exhibition; For example, the special photography station on platform 2 creates unforgettable moments for visitors to explore. Visitors will also be able to hop aboard each of the two original BMW motorcycles, several of which we also spotted here. They can get behind the wheel of a BMW R 25 from the 1950s and a current BMW S 1000 RR.
There are even more BMW Motorrads to enjoy in the permanent exhibition. Since reopening in 2008, the BMW Museum has dedicated about 10 rooms and areas to the history of BMW motorcycles. Various themes provide more insight here, whether it’s the first motorcycle, the BMW R 32; the overview all describes about 25 important milestones; or impressive examples from motor racing.
For more information, visit BMW Museum Website.
