New: BMW Art Car by Robert Rauschenberg
Starting Saturday, August 2, a striking new highlight enriches the Fine Art on Wheels exhibition at the Louwman Museum: the iconic BMW 635CSi by American artist Robert Rauschenberg. This rolling artwork replaces Andy Warhol’s BMW M1, which is temporarily on loan to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California.
With the arrival of Rauschenberg’s BMW, the exhibition is not only expanded but also deepened. The 1986 BMW 635CSi was the first Art Car to incorporate photographic imagery directly onto its bodywork — a groundbreaking concept blending classical painting, photography, and nature imagery into a collage on wheels. The right side features an odalisque by Ingres, the left a portrait by Bronzino, surrounded by photos of Everglades marsh grass. Even the wheel covers display images of antique plates.
“Drivable museums would be great. This car is a dream come true for me.”
Robert Rauschenberg
Rauschenberg is regarded as a pioneer of American Pop Art. His innovative Combine Painting technique merges painting, photography, and found objects into powerful visual narratives. With his contribution, he concluded the American chapter of the BMW Art Car series in a truly unique way.
The exhibition showcases eight exceptional BMW Art Cars, each designed by a world-renowned artist. In addition to Rauschenberg, visitors can admire works by:
Alexander Calder – bold color fields and racing spirit (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975)
Frank Stella – technical drawings brought to life (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1976)
Roy Lichtenstein – a comic-style landscape in motion (BMW 320i Group 5, 1977)
César Manrique – organic shapes and volcanic hues (BMW 730i, 1990)
Esther Mahlangu – traditional Ndebele patterns (BMW 525i, 1991)
David Hockney – a look inside the car’s interior (BMW 850CSi, 1995)
Jeff Koons – a dynamic, race-ready livery (BMW M3 GT2, 2010)
Together, they offer a unique journey through fifty years of modern art history — on four wheels.
See them now in The Great Hall
All eight cars are on display in person. The bright, spacious setting of The Great Hall provides the perfect stage for these one-of-a-kind designs. This extraordinary fusion of art and motorsport can be admired at the Louwman Museum until August 31, open seven days a week.
