Andy Warhol’s Iconic BMW M1 Art Car to Debut at Art Dubai 2025

The intersection of pop art and high-performance engineering is set to captivate audiences in the UAE, as Andy Warhol’s legendary BMW M1 Art Car makes its long-awaited debut at Art Dubai 2025. BMW Group Middle East has confirmed the exclusive showcase, which will run from April 16 to 20, and promises to be a standout feature of this year’s cultural calendar.

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Car Collection, the event will mark the first time Warhol’s one-of-a-kind creation is exhibited in Dubai. The appearance is expected to draw both art aficionados and automobile enthusiasts, blending creativity, speed, and history into one extraordinary showcase.

Warhol’s Art in Motion: Painted in Just 28 Minutes

In a remarkable burst of artistic energy, Warhol completed the transformation of a BMW M1 prototype in just 28 minutes, applying 6 kilograms of paint using bold, expressive brushstrokes. Departing from his usual pop culture motifs—such as those seen in his iconic depictions of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell’s soup cans—Warhol opted for a raw, gestural approach. Through sweeping movements and vibrant hues, he captured the essence of speed, motion, and modern art directly onto the car’s surface.

The car itself was designed by famed automotive stylist Giorgio Giugiaro and went on to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979. Piloted by Manfred Winkelhock, Hervé Poulain, and Marcel Mignot, the M1 achieved an impressive 6th place overall and 2nd in its class. Poulain—who also pioneered the BMW Art Car initiative—described Warhol’s creative process as “a live dance performance,” emphasizing the dynamic spontaneity of the project.

A Symbol of Artistic and Cultural Synergy

“Andy Warhol’s BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence,” said Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. He added that bringing this iconic vehicle to Art Dubai is part of the brand’s broader commitment to fostering creativity and promoting cultural dialogue across both regional and global platforms.

This exhibition forms part of the BMW Art Car World Tour, a global initiative that celebrates five decades of collaboration between BMW and some of the world’s most celebrated artists. The Art Car Collection includes transformative works by creative legends such as Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Esther Mahlangu, and Jeff Koons. Each piece in the series represents a unique dialogue between art, technology, and innovation.

As Art Dubai 2025 approaches, Warhol’s M1 is set to become one of the most anticipated highlights—symbolizing not just a landmark moment in pop art, but also a powerful reflection of the evolving synergy between visual culture and industrial design.