BMW is marking half a century of its iconic Art Car Collection with a special showcase at Art Dubai 2025. Andy Warhol’s legendary BMW M1 Art Car will be on display for the first time in the Middle East, one of the first events of the global tour celebrating BMW’s historic long-term commitment to supporting the arts through innovation and commissioning.

Originally launched in 1975, the BMW Art Car programme has featured collaborations with global artists, including Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Jenny Holzer, and Cao Fei. 

Painted in 1979, Andy Warhol’s vibrant, expressive design transformed the BMW M1 car into a kinetic sculpture—a canvas in motion. In just 28 minutes and using over 13lbs of paint, Warhol applied his signature bold brushstrokes directly onto the car’s surface, capturing what he described as “a vivid depiction of speed”. 

The car is the only Warhol-painted vehicle in the world, and it remains one of the few Art Cars to have been both revered as a standalone artwork and raced, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, finishing sixth overall and second in its class.

“I love that car. It has turned out better than the artwork,” Warhol had remarked, blurring the lines between object and art, utility and expression.

Now, nearly five decades later, this Art Car—a piece of living Pop Art history—is coming to Dubai for the first time, at Art Dubai 2025. 

“Andy Warhol’s BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence,” says Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. “Our participation in Art Dubai reinforces BMW Group Middle East’s dedication to fostering artistic dialogue and cultural exchange in the region. This moment not only celebrates 50 years of BMW Art Cars, but also reflects our ongoing commitment to creativity and innovation.”

The BMW M1 Art Car will be on display from 19-20 April 2025, at Art Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah.