Explore BMW Museum South Africa: A Journey Through Automotive Heritage

Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, the BMW Museum South Africa offers a captivating journey through the brand’s legacy, blending art, engineering, and storytelling in a space where classic and modern vehicles coexist.

The BMW Museum South Africa stands as a premier automotive landmark, dedicated to celebrating BMW’s global journey while highlighting its deep connection to South African culture. Visitors explore rare concept cars, historical prototypes, and interactive displays that tell the story of innovation and precision engineering. The museum’s location in Pretoria makes it a must-visit for both local enthusiasts and international travelers seeking a deeper appreciation of BMW’s engineering excellence.

Step inside a world where design meets heritage: the museum features rotating exhibitions, including exclusive models never before seen in the region. Interactive tech zones allow guests to simulate driving experiences, while guided tours led by knowledgeable staff bring each vehicle’s story to life. Special events, such as vintage car gatherings and innovation panels, enrich the visitor experience with community and expertise.

Opening daily with extended hours on weekends, the museum welcomes all ages with family-friendly programs and digital guides for self-paced exploration. Ticket options include combined entries with nearby attractions, enhancing value for tourists. Accessibility features ensure inclusive enjoyment, while on-site amenities like cafes and gift shops offer lasting mementos of your visit.

More than a museum, the BMW Museum South Africa is a tribute to craftsmanship and vision, inviting every guest to connect with BMW’s enduring legacy. Whether you’re a collector, a car lover, or simply curious, this premier Pretoria destination delivers inspiration, education, and unforgettable moments—plan your visit today.

In March 1973, the newly established plant of BMW South Africa started to produce the first BMW vehicles, laying the foundation for a South African icon. Located in Rosslyn, Pretoria, this was the first BMW production site outside of Germany. The Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW are pleased to announce "Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting": Esther Mahlangu.

A Retrospective. The exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, highlights Esther Mahlangu's over 50-year long career and her meteoric rise as a contemporary artist, earning her global acclaim. The retrospective will be on view at Iziko Museums of South Africa from.

The BMW 525i Art Car takes centre stage at 'Then I knew I was good at painting: Esther Mahlangu', the artist's first retrospective, held at the Iziko Museums of South Africa in Cape Town (it's also referenced in the car maker's Frieze LA 2024 reveal, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA). 'Back then, to see a BMW painted in Ndebele design was a huge thing for our communities,' explains the. The 12th BMW Art Car painted by Esther Mahlangu in 1991 is coming back to South Africa after 32 years abroad.

Upon its arrival in early 2024, the Ndebele-patterned 525i will be on show at the Iziko Museum in Cape Town for one year for admirers to behold, and thereafter it will resume its international travels to the UK and USA. The retrospective will be on view at Iziko South African National Gallery from February 18 until August 11, 2024. From there it will begin its global tour, stopping first at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to the United States in early 2026.

Mahlangu became the first African and woman to paint a BMW Art Car in 1991. Mahlangu's BMW 525i Art Car makes its historic return to South Africa for the first time in more than 30 years. Hosted by the Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW, this exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of Mahlangu's artistry, showcasing over 100 artworks alongside historic photographs and a short film.

One of the exhibition's highlights is Mahlangu's iconic BMW 525i Art Car, returning to South Africa after over three decades. When Esther Mahlangu arrived at the opening of her retrospective "Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting" at the Iziko Museum in Cape Town, her presence transformed the room. On stage, a parade of dignitaries spoke including the representatives from the government, the BMW South Africa CEO, and the exhibition curator who paid tribute to her pioneering role in contemporary art and her ongoing.

BMW Art Car returns to Johannesburg In bringing the Art Car back to South Africa, for the first time in 30 years, BMW and The Iziko Museums offered viewers a chance to reconnect with Mahlangu's work within its cultural context, celebrating her unique contribution to the BMW Art Car legacy and her trailblazing influence. +++ Esther Mahlangu's major retrospective moves to the Wits Art Museum (WAM) in Johannesburg +++ Experience the iconic works of living art legend and national treasure +++ Artist's BMW Art Car features as a central exhibition piece +++.