BMW Art Car World Tour in Zurich

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For almost five decades, the BMW Art Car Collection has brought together two worlds that appear to have little in common at first glance: motor racing and contemporary art. Now, the BMW Art Car World Tour is coming to Zurich from 8 to 9 May 2025.

The result of this fusion of automotive and artistic talent is impressive – four decades of art history on wheels, interpreted by some of the most influential artists of our time. As part of the world tour, the collection will now embark on its first global journey, with stops in Hong Kong, Seoul, New York, Mexico City, London and Zurich.

From the studio to the racetrack

What began in 1975 with Alexander Calder and racing driver Hervé Poulain in Le Mans has now grown to 20 vehicles. The list of artists reads like a who’s who of contemporary art history with works by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Jenny Holzer and Esther Mahlangu. But the Art Cars are more than just rolling works of art – the surfaces of these speedsters reflect cultural moods and political statements, offering much more than just shapes and colours.

Next stop: Zurich

Nach dem Auftakt im Wiener Museum für angewandte Kunst (MAK) im März 2025 macht die BMW Art Car World Tour nun Halt in der Schweiz – genauer im Kunsthaus Zürich. Gezeigt werden Highlights aus der Sammlung, darunter Klassiker wie der von David Hockney gestaltete BMW 850 CSi und Olafur Eliassons frostverhüllter H2R Hydrogen.

There will be a special focus on the latest addition to the series: the BMW M Hybrid V8. Designed by artist Julie Mehretu, who incorporates her own unique visual code into high-performance design. The vehicle will make its official debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June – art in action.

Art Cars to admire in Zurich

Ernst Fuchs and the BMW 635 CSi (No. 5)

In 1982, Austrian painter and co-founder of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism transformed a BMW 635 CSi into a mythically charged vehicle. The painted bodywork depicts a dark, almost visionary scene somewhere between baroque and science fiction.

Ken Done and the BMW M3 Group A Race Version (No. 8)

In 1989, Australian artist Ken Done opted for colourful exuberance – his M3 looks like a moving painting, with bright colours and powerful brushstrokes symbolising modern Australia with its sunny beaches and semi-tropical landscapes.

A. R. Penck with the BMW Z1 (No. 11)

Abstract and archaic: in 1991, German artist A. R. Penck transformed a BMW Z1 into an object that was part curiosity, part code. His typical pictograms, signs and symbols make the car look like an archaeological find.

David Hockney and the BMW 850 CSi (No. 14)

In 1995, British painter and photographer David Hockney literally went beneath the surface and painted the inner workings of the BMW 850 CSi on the outside of the car. Engine, driver and even a small dog in the boot – a kind of X‑ray view with dry British humour.

Jenny Holzer and the BMW V12 LMR (No. 15)

Protect me from what I want – Jenny Holzer’s contribution from 1999 is as clear as it is critical. The silver BMW V12 LMR bears LED lettering with statements and aphorisms. A manifesto of an art car.

John Baldessari and the BMW M6 GTLM (No. 19)

The BMW M6 GTLM created by John Baldessari in 2016 thrives on contrast. Primary colours meet clear geometric shapes, an oversized red dot and the word ‘FAST’ adorn the roof and side. Irony and conceptual art in high-gloss paint – with an obvious wink.

More than a collection

What makes the BMW Art Cars so remarkable is their special status – neither classic exhibit, nor pure racing car. They move – physically, culturally, symbolically – and raise questions around what a car can actually look like today. A means of transport, a work of art or a political statement?