Helicopter shots, several takes. BMW Welt, several takes. Ceremonial Act BMW Welt Opening.

Our BMW Welt is the “home of the brand”. And it is an exclusive automobile delivery center. These are two important aspects, but there’s more to BMW Welt. There is another aspect that is extremely important to us: BMW Welt is not only a place for our customers. It is open for everybody. Nobody will ever be asked for an admission ticket. BMW Welt will be open 360 days a year – for conferences, concerts, readings or for taking a stroll. Anybody can come here – to emerge into our brand world or just to have a cup of coffee. We expect about 850,000 visitors a year. And I would like to emphasize once again that all guests are welcome! This openness reflects our role in society. We consider ourselves a responsible member of society – open for dialogue and open for cooperation. BMW Welt is our offer to people to get to know us better – and to enter into a dialogue with us. Obviously, we also intend to present our innovative ideas for the future at BMW Welt. We plan to refine our EfficientDynamics strategy further and to launch new vehicle and powertrain concepts in the years to come – with the goal of securing the individual mobility of the future. We are demonstrating that it is possible to offer “sheer driving pleasure” while reducing CO2 emissions. EfficientDynamics is one element in our concept of social responsibility and sustainability. BMW Welt also reflects our claim: Firstly, we exhibit EfficientDynamics showcases here at the double cone. And secondly, the design of the entire building is based on sustainability considerations. For example, the roof is equipped with a solar power plant. As the BMW Group’s Chairman of the Board of Management, I am obviously enthusiastic about each and every one of our products, without exception. But I have to confess that there are two models that have always been my clear favorites: the BMW 507 and the BMW Z8. Both are roadsters that represent the BMW brand’s values in the best-possible manner. This is why they are considered true classics in automotive history. I am convinced that BMW Welt offers everything that is needed to become a classic as well. We have created something unique. Of course I am aware of the fact that time goes on. Other buildings around the world will be setting new standards. But for us, BMW Welt will always be something special! We consider it a milestone in our corporate history! And I would be delighted if, some years from now, you said: BMW Welt in Munich – that’s a true classic and always worth a visit. Then we would have accomplished what we had intended. Thank you very much for your attention. And have a great time at BMW Welt!

Dynamics, speed and elegance, even in contemporary architecture. In this building design paradigms are transformed into a three-dimensional world of experience. The double cone from which the roof dynamically emerges is an icon, establishing a relationship with the existing “four cylinder” headquarters building and the shell of the museum. It supplements these two symbols and is connected to them by a bridge leading to an ensemble, the BMW Ensemble. The roof, which is so huge that it would cover St. Mark’s Square in Venice, could span a football ground, but thanks to its cloud-like design it creates differentiated, intimate zones that prevent it from conveying the architectural tediousness of an exhibition centre. On the contrary, it creates the atmospheric combination of a marketplace, a theatre, a centre for enjoyment and communication. Not divided, but welded into one unit, a compact city centre. An innovative building that is virtually a contemporary interpretation of a historic urban construction concept….and please allow me to make a comparison. The Acropolis in Athens was not only a temple, it was also an icon, the city’s landmark, not only a sacred place, but also a marketplace, a communication centre, a meeting place for an exchange of knowledge. BMW Welt was designed as an icon according to this concept but, of course, as a marketplace, an information and presentation centre alongside a public passageway. It was designed not only for BMW, but also for the public, rendering it a new interpretation of public space in a modern city.

BMW in Bavaria, this stands for competitiveness and technical advancement. Yes, advanced technology is as equally important to us as it is to the BMW company, this is indispensably crucial to Germany and Bavaria as business locations. I’m sure no better conditions exist anywhere for advanced technology than here in Bavaria. BMW in Bavaria, this stands for farsighted management, creative engineers, qualified skilled workers, reliable investors. The company provides our country with 66,000 secure jobs and almost 2,700 top apprenticeship training positions. I am confident, ladies and gentlemen, that BMW Welt will encourage people to continue in future to purchase this brand, help secure jobs at BMW, assist BMW in maintaining its pole position and promote a mutual cooperation between BMW and Bavaria as brands. Flying Artists. Blessing of the BMW Welt. Handover of the first BMW in the BMW Welt. Ascending balloons.

VIP tour Dr. Günther Beckstein und Dr. Norbert Reithofer, several takes.