BMW at the heart of the art world – Partnership with Gallery Weekend Berlin 2025. BMW Art Talk at the Neue Nationalgalerie explores contemporary models of art patronage.

Munich/Berlin. From 2 to 4 May 2025, Gallery Weekend Berlin will celebrate its 21st edition. As a long-standing partner, BMW once again supports the renowned art weekend in the German capital and, for the first time, contributes to its newly launched talk programme. Under the title BMW Art Talk: “Why and How to Support Art”, BMW Group Cultural Engagement is hosting a high-profile panel discussion on Friday, 2 May at the iconic Neue Nationalgalerie.

A partner of Gallery Weekend Berlin since 2013, BMW has supported the development of one of the world’s most significant contemporary art platforms ever since. This year’s event also puts a spotlight on the latest seventh edition of the BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors – a key publication that promotes access to private art collections across the globe.

As part of the new Gallery Weekend Art Talks, the BMW Art Talk: “Why and How to Support Art” will take place on Friday, 2 May, from 12 to 1pm. Initiated by BMW, the discussion brings together leading international collectors and patrons to explore how artists can be effectively supported in today’s evolving art market. Topics include the role of private initiatives, institutional collaborations, and digital platforms in fostering artistic talent. Panellists include Karen Boros, Founder of the Boros Collection in Berlin; collector Eva Leinemann and Azu Nwagbogu, founder of the African Artists’ Foundation and LagosPhoto Festival. The panel will be moderated by Thomas Girst, Head of Cultural Engagement at the BMW Group.

The Gallery Weekend Art Talks will be held throughout the weekend in the striking glass hall of the Neue Nationalgalerie, creating a central space for dialogue among artists, curators, collectors, and the public. Each day features multiple conversations with international guests and participating artists. The fact that Karen Boros, one of the panellists, is also featured in the BMW Art Guide once again illustrates the intersection of collecting practice and public exchange that connects both the talk and the guide. The BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors, published by Hatje Cantz, presents 304 publicly accessible private collections in 51 countries, ranging from major art hubs like Berlin, New York and Cape Town to more secluded destinations in the Norwegian fjords and the Swiss Alps. Further information and insights on the BMW Art Guide can be found at: BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors.

“Art is an important part of our society, and therefore it is important for us to create formats that open up dialogue and provide a platform for artists, curators, and collectors. For this, we need strong partners, and we are very pleased that BMW, as part of our long-standing partnership, is also supporting the talk series,” says Antonia Ruder, Director of Gallery Weekend Berlin.

Gallery Weekend Berlin offers visitors the opportunity to discover new names or deepen existing passions. Exhibitions curated especially for the event will open in all participating galleries on Friday, 2 May, from 6pm to 9pm. On Saturday, 3 May (11am - 7pm) and Sunday, 4 May (11am - 6pm), local and international visitors are warmly invited to explore the galleries across the city.

Save the Date
Press Preview: Wednesday, 30 April, 10am
Digital press conference and introduction to this year’s Gallery Weekend Berlin with Director Antonia Ruder. Click here to access the event.

Further information and press materials on the participating galleries can be found in the press section of the Gallery Weekend Berlin website (password: kunst).

In addition to its commitment to Gallery Weekend Berlin, the BMW Group also supports the Preis der Nationalgalerie as part of its long-term cultural engagement in Berlin. Beyond the visual arts, BMW collaborates with the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and will once again host the much-loved open-air concert Staatsoper für alle on Bebelplatz on 22 June 2025.

The BMW Group's Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.