BMW Headquarters, Munich

BMW Headquarters, Munich

The BMW Headquarters is a tall building situated in Munich, and it has served as the global headquarters for the German automaker BMW since 1973. In 1999, it was granted protected historic status, and it's frequently recognized as one of the most significant architectural landmarks in Munich. Substantial renovations took place between 2004 and 2006.

Construction of the tower took place from 1968 to 1972, and it was completed just in time for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The official opening occurred on May 18, 1973. This 101-meter (331-foot) structure is located adjacent to the Olympiapark and BMW's main factory. The tower's exterior design is intended to resemble the shape of four cylinders in a car engine, with the Museum portion representing a cylinder head. Both of these buildings were designed by the Austrian architect Karl Schwanzer.

The Tower is comprised of four vertical cylinders positioned next to and opposite each other. Each cylinder is horizontally divided in the middle by a pattern in the façade. Notably, these cylinders do not rest on the ground; they are suspended on a central support tower. During construction, individual floors were assembled on the ground and then raised into place. The tower has a diameter of 52.30 meters (171.6 feet) and contains 22 floors in total, with two below ground level and 18 used for office space.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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BMW Headquarters on Map

Sight Name: BMW Headquarters
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Munich, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Munich

Create Your Own Walk in Munich

Creating your own self-guided walk in Munich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Third Reich Munich Walking Tour

Third Reich Munich Walking Tour

In the first quarter of the 20th century, the capital of Bavaria, Munich, was ill-fated to become the birthplace of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (aka NSDAP or Nazi Party) and the site of its early activities. The city played a significant role in the rise and consolidation of power of the Nazi Party and, ultimately, the establishment of the Third Reich.

The Third Reich went...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

The Old Town of Munich, sprawling on the west bank of the River Isar, is a treasure trove of architectural splendor and cultural heritage. Also known in German as Altstadt, this medieval area forms the historic core and cultural heart of the Bavarian capital. The entire Old Town is listed as a historical monument and is a living museum – “where the past harmonizes with the present in a grand...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shops

Old Town Souvenir Shops

"Collect moments, not things," wise men say. In reference to travel, this may be interpreted as the prevalence of experiences and memories over material gains. Still, when it comes to travel mementos, albeit material they are, memories and experiences are primarily what these little (or not so little) tokens are all about.

And it would be a pity to leave Munich without bringing home...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Munich Introduction Walking Tour

Munich Introduction Walking Tour

Straddling the banks of the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps, Bavaria’s capital Munich is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous attractions.

The city was first mentioned in 1158. Its name is usually interpreted as the Old/Middle High German term Munichen, which means "by the monks", deriving from the monks of the Benedictine order, who ran a monastery at the place that...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Top 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Munich

Top 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Munich

While there are many restaurants and cafes in downtown Munich for a visitor to choose from, by far not all of them are truly worth visiting. Here's the solid list of quality cafes and restaurants that will add greatly to your Munich experience. Each restaurant and cafe featured here offers...
12 German-Made Things to Buy in Munich

12 German-Made Things to Buy in Munich

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