BMW Manufacturing announced this week that the iconic Zentrum museum, located beside the largest BMW plant in the world, was reopened to the public on Monday, October 17. In a ceremony at the Zentrum, Manfred Erlacher, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, and Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW of North America, celebrated the reopening by unveiling the restored classic BMW 507 once owned by the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley.
“The Zentrum is symbolic of many things, but first and foremost, it is the only BMW museum in America,” said Manfred Erlacher. “It is also a landmark, a gathering place, and a venue where BMW displays and celebrates its history.”
While BMW’s historic fleet will still be an important part of the Zentrum experience, visitors will have more opportunities to see current BMW models, including X models manufactured at the Spartanburg plant and BMW sedans. Several striking displays promote BMW sub-brands such as the BMW i and BMW M. The museum also includes an impressive 15×25-foot video wall that broadcasts high-definition films about the factory as well as BMW commercials and product films.
“We are very excited with the changes and new exhibits that Associates and customers will experience,” said Amber Scruggs, Zentrum and Communications Specialist. “We’re also thrilled to showcase the classic BMW 507 once owned by Elvis Presley.”
The BMW Zentrum is only the second location where the classic car has been displayed. Elvis’ BMW 507 will be at the Zentrum until spring of 2017.
BMW also announced the completion of an arts project with students from the Metropolitan Arts Council and the Savannah College of Art and Design. Six projects were unveiled and have been placed in three different buildings across the BMW campus.
