Our theme for Munich was cars and beer. For cars, we chose the BMW museum. Based on Benjamin's animated discussion with the BMW staff about the prototype M3 station wagon (pictured above), I think it was a hit. And as we exited, the line to get in was around the building, so it's not just us.
I'm no car aficionado (just ask Benjamin) but even I found a lot to like about the BMW museum. My favorite was the BMW Isetta, otherwise known as the "bubble car." Manufactured after WWII, it held just two passengers, and there was only one door, hinged to the front. This little car saved BMW from bankruptcy as it struggled to rebuild postwar. This gem got about 78 miles to the gallon, perhaps because it was only 4.5 feet wide and 7.5 feet long. I'm sorry to say they ceased production in the 1960s, but you can buy used ones on eBay. All cars should be so fun.
The building housing BMW offices and the museum are iconic as well.
While it was a time squeeze, we also made it to the ginormous Deutsche Museum on the same day. It is the largest museum of science and technology in the world. We couldn't see it all, so we focused on aviation, space travel, bridges and robots. For the most part, exhibits are life size, hence the feeling you are in an airplane hangar.
Of special interest, since Benjamin works with robots, was the Helpmate Service Robot, circa 1990. The first robot of its kind, it was designed to be used in medical clinics to deliver medication, laboratory samples, and medical devices. It was designed by Joseph Engelberger, considered the father of robotics.
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