BMW marks a major milestone in 2025, celebrating 50 years of its iconic Art Car program. Since its inception, the series has served as a creative platform for artists fascinated by automobiles, blending art with motorsport and engineering.
A Global Tour Showcasing Automotive Art
To commemorate the 50th anniversary, BMW Art Cars will embark on a global tour, beginning in Europe on March 20 before arriving in Asia. The exhibition will feature works by renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons. The Museum of Applied Arts and the SPARK Art Fair in Vienna will host these masterpieces as part of the BMW Group Niederlassung Wien event, “(R)Evolution of Art.”
At Art Basel Hong Kong from March 28-30, BMW will unveil its 20th Art Car—the BMW M Hybrid V8—designed by American artist Julie Mehretu. These “rolling sculptures” have captivated audiences globally, appearing in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions worldwide.
The Evolution of BMW’s Art Car Program
In an exclusive conversation, Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst, BMW Group’s Global Head of Cultural Engagement, reflected on the program’s journey over the past five decades.
“For more than 50 years, BMW has collaborated with renowned cultural institutions, supporting contemporary art, music, film, architecture, and design. Our commitment extends beyond brand building; it’s about giving back to society. Art is deeply intertwined with our products, from Digital Art Mode in the BMW i7 to collaborations with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer for unique electric vehicle sound design.”
The Art Car program began in 1975 when French racing driver Hervé Poulain commissioned an artist to design his racing car. What started as an experimental fusion of automobiles and art has grown into a celebrated legacy featuring global icons such as Jenny Holzer, Esther Mahlangu, and Mehretu.
Selecting Artists and Embracing Innovation
BMW employs a jury process, where museum directors and art curators worldwide select artists for the Art Car project. Recent years have seen advancements beyond traditional painting. In 2017, Cao Fei incorporated augmented and virtual reality, while in 2021, BMW experimented with AI-driven art on its 8 Series Grand Coupe.
The 20th Art Car, Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8, competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024. Her design concept envisioned how the car would look if it raced through a painting, creating a dynamic “performative painting.”
Art Cars as Cultural Ambassadors
BMW Art Cars serve as global goodwill ambassadors, embodying the company’s cultural engagement. “We consider the Art Cars a sub-brand within BMW,” Girst explained. “They not only represent our artistic and technological fusion but also shape perceptions of our brand.”
As The Comapny continues to push the boundaries of automotive design and artistic expression, the Art Car program remains a testament to creativity, innovation, and cultural influence.