BMW Art Cars Celebrate 50 Years at Louwman Museum
The Louwman Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, is hosting a summer exhibition titled "Fine Art on Wheels," showcasing eight iconic BMW Art Cars as part of their 50th-anniversary celebration. Officially opened on July 4, this exhibition will run until August 31, offering a rare opportunity to view these artistic motorsport masterpieces.
Exhibition Highlights
Among the most notable cars are the 3.0 CSL designed by Alexander Calder (1975) and the BMW M1 by Andy Warhol (1979). These creations not only reflect artistic innovation but also boast historical racing pedigree, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Other featured vehicles include works by renowned artists such as Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons.
Ronald Kooijman, director of the Louwman Museum, remarked on the serendipity of hosting the exhibition during the Art Cars’ anniversary, stating, "We were brainstorming about suitable themes…we had no idea that they were celebrating their 50th anniversary this year."
Technical Insights
The exhibition hall is designed to enhance appreciation without distractions, allowing the eight Art Cars to occupy about half of the space. Among the racing variants, Calder’s 3.0 CSL stands out with its vibrant colors, while Stella’s car features a grid design that echoes technical drawings.
Koons’s 2010 M3 GT2 showcases a striking multicolored pattern, initially conceived not just for racing, but as a commentary on being "first" in a broader context.
Noteworthy Vehicles
- BMW 3.0 CSL by Alexander Calder (1975) – Known for its bright scheme, it gained attention at Le Mans.
- BMW M1 by Andy Warhol (1979) – Created in just 28 minutes, it combines an intentional roughness with artistic flair.
- BMW 320i by Roy Lichtenstein (1977) – Features comic strip elements and represents motion through its design.
- BMW M3 GT2 by Jeff Koons (2010) – A colorful tribute aimed at challenging conventions of racing visual identity.
Accompanying Publications
To commemorate the anniversary, an updated edition of the BMW Art Cars book has been published, encompassing insights and stories about all 20 Art Cars, including the newest addition by Julie Mehretu.
Visiting Information
The "Fine Art on Wheels" exhibition is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until August 31. For tickets and additional details, visit Louwman Museum.
With this exhibition, BMW continues to blur the lines between automotive engineering and fine art, offering enthusiasts a unique intersection of speed and aesthetic innovation.
