If you’re a BMW enthusiast, car design junkie, or just someone who appreciates sleek curves and precision engineering, Munich just gave you a reason to book that flight. Opening June 7, 2025, at the BMW Museum, the new exhibition Belle Macchine. Italian Automotive Design at BMW is a rare look into the brand’s most artful creations — and the Italian design icons who helped shape them. From concept cars to coachbuilt classics, this is more than just an exhibit — it’s a masterclass in automotive history, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Whether you’ve already visited the BMW Museum or this would be your first time, Belle Macchine offers something new: 23 historic vehicles, rare design sketches, and a 360-degree visual experience that brings Italy’s dolce vita elegance to Germany’s engineering heartland.
Here’s why this show is a must-see.
A design lover’s dream: Italy’s imprint on BMW history
You might associate BMW with German precision, but many of the brand’s most iconic shapes have Italian fingerprints all over them. This exhibition explores the influence of legendary designers like Giorgetto Giugiaro, Giovanni Michelotti, Marcello Gandini, and Fabrizio Giugiaro. Think of it as a who’s who of 20th-century automotive design.
You’ll get to see stunning examples like:
- BMW Garmisch by Gandini, a concept that helped shape the original 3 Series and 5 Series
- BMW Nazca M12 by Italdesign — a futuristic take that still turns heads
- BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, an exclusive one-off that channels timeless sophistication
- BMW 2800 GTS Frua, a rare model showcasing the blend of power and poise
This isn’t just a walk down memory lane — it’s a high-style crash course in how Italian flair elevated the BMW brand.
Exclusive access to rare cars and one-offs
What makes Belle Macchine especially worth the trip is access to vehicles you won’t see anywhere else. These are not mass-production models, but limited-run or conceptual designs that served as testing grounds for new ideas.
The show also features the BMW 3000 V8 “Glaserati”, a result of BMW’s acquisition of Glas, and the M1 Hommage, a bold reinterpretation of the classic M1 for the modern era.
If you’re the type to geek out over rare trim details, prototype bodywork, or behind-the-scenes design evolution, this is your playground.
A visual experience that goes beyond cars
Set within the BMW Museum’s iconic “Bowl,” the exhibition goes beyond static displays. Visitors are treated to a 360-degree video projection inspired by the work of Italian surrealist Giorgio de Chirico — who, fun fact, studied in Munich. The result? A truly immersive experience that connects automotive design with high art.
You’ll also get to see original sketches pulled from the BMW Design Archive and scenes from the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the legendary Lake Como car showcase that’s become synonymous with beauty on four wheels.
It’s a bucket list moment for BMW fans
BMW already draws thousands of visitors annually to its headquarters in Munich — and this exhibition raises the stakes. Whether you’re planning a Euro trip or looking for a reason to go, Belle Macchine makes a strong case for adding Munich to your itinerary.
With the show running through late 2025, this summer is the perfect time to catch it at its freshest, before it becomes just another footnote in BMW history.
How to plan your visit to Munich, Germany?
- Location: BMW Museum, Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 Munich, Germany
- Dates: Opens June 7, 2025 (check the BMW Museum website for exact closing date)
- Admission: Standard BMW Museum entry fee applies
- Closest airport: Munich International (MUC)
- Bonus tip: Pair your visit with a factory tour at BMW Welt, just steps away
This one’s for the real ones
You don’t have to be a car collector or a designer to appreciate what Belle Macchine brings to the table. But if you are — or if you’re simply obsessed with BMW — this is one of those rare cultural moments that makes travel feel essential. It’s not just a museum visit. It’s a celebration of how passion, design, and precision can create something timeless.
And for anyone who’s ever dreamed of the ultimate driving machine, this might just be the ultimate exhibition.
