Cars from dawn to dusk, that’s what BMW World and Museum offers. Doors open at 7.30 on the morning and don’t close until midnight. During that time you can sit on motorbikes, gawp a formula one cars, gaze at Rolls Royce or if you’ve splashed out on a new BMW you can arrange to collect it here. Worried that you might get hungry? Don’t worry there are lots of different eating options on offer.
Space, there’s lots of space, the BMW World is enormous. so although it is popular the only thing that you needed to queue for is the video games. Virtually driving a racing car is not my thing, but the Junior CW’s patiently waited their turn. Whilst the games are free and it is possible to spend as much time on them as you want, from a grown-up point of view the queue does have the advantage of limiting the screen time. Still who wants to play video games when you can sit on a motorbike?
BMW World is right next door to the BMW Museum (and to the factory, tours are available but you need to book well in advance). What’s the difference? I hear you cry. Well BMW World is free and all about things that you can buy, the museum is all about the history of the company. It also has shorter opening hours and is closed on a Monday. The company started as an aircraft engine manufacturer. After the First World War Germany was not allowed to make planes and so the company started to make motorbikes and then cars.
You get an audio guide with your ticket but you can also download an app that goes into greater detail before you visit to whet your appetite for all things car. At one point you can stand in front engines and listen to the different sounds that they all make (I think that my ears might need fine tuning to appreciate this). To me a car is necessary to get from one place to another, even so I enjoyed our day immersed in all things car, even if we did arrive by train.
BMW WORLD
Olympia Park, Munich
Entrance is right opposite the OlympiaPark train station, trains run frequently from central
Admission: Free
Open: Monday – Saturday 7.30am – midnight
Sunday 9am-midnight
BMW MUSEUM
Admission: €16
Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm
Whilst we were in Munich we also found out that whether you can take children to Munich beer gardens and visited the tiny but perfect Asamkirche
Like you I see a car as something that transports you rather than an excitement in itself. Those older models look splendid, though. I’d love to get a closer look. #citytripping
Whilst paintings and cafes are more my thing I did enjoy our (very long) day with all things BMW
interesting! I’m hoping to visit Munich this year:)
We loved Munich
I’ve actually been there. My husband was delighted. I was pregnant and feeling a bit nauseous. It was interesting but it’s funny how pregnancy can taint your view! #citytripping
Definitely a boys day out!
Fun! My family would love this place as they’re into cars! #citytripping
I suspect my car obsessed husband could easily spend all day here … and already knows the sounds of the different engines! Could be the perfect way to persuade him to have a break in Munich. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
You could take home on the factory tour too
I’m not really into cars but it looks like the boys had great fun #cutytripping #farawayfiles
The history and design was really interesting but I did struggle with the engines!
We often visited museums like this when my son was younger and he would still love it now. I kept saying I would visit Munich whilst my friend Emma was living there but now she’s back in the UK so I have missed my chance to see her and the city together.
#farawayfiles
We loved Munich, so much to see and do and lovely people.
I’m a big one for visiting all sorts of museums and usually the quirkier the better (or great art) but I think I’d struggle with this one as I really don’t give a beep about cars other than as a way of transporting me around, BUT….I have a family of boys and for once they’d probably be more enthusiastic than me about this particular museum. #farawayfiles
More interesting than you’d think!
I live near Oxford – not far from the BMW Mini factory which also offers tours (but only to children aged 14+). My son is too young for the Oxford option at the moment but I can imagine he’d love this one. Me? I’d hang out in the cafe :-) #Farawayfiles
Now a tour of the BMW mini factory sounds good …..
I’d really like to go to BMW World. Another reason to add Munich to my list. Interesting to read about why the German car industry took off after WW1.
Our week in Munich was popular with teens and parents alike
My husband would love to visit here. BMW is one of the clients he visits in Munich and he’s always talking about how amazing their data centre is… I try to look enthusiastic (you can imagine!) So I will suggest he pays a visit here on his next visit. Great ideas as always – thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Oh my goodness, my oldest son would be in heaven here! He’d probably queue up several times to have a go on the virtual racing car and would love to go around the museum too. I’d have to send him and my husband in on their own while I enjoyed a day in Munich with my youngest. Thanks for sharing this on #FarawayFiles
So much to see and do in Munich
I love seeing the historic cars, my gearheads would love seeing the NEW stuff. A beautiful old car can be like a piece of art! Thank you for sharing and explaining the options and difference for #FarawayFiles. Cheers from Oregon this time! Erin
We loved Oregon! It even has a Boardman State Park