Across the globe, BMW is known for its innovative power, artistic engineering, and high-end mobility, shaping Munich’s economic landscape for over 100 years. POOL group has worked with BMW Group on international trade fairs and corporate events for more than 15 years. In 2022, the POOLcrew assumed responsibility for technical implementation of an entire anniversary year – culminating in the spectacular illumination of the group’s iconic Munich headquarters, the four cylinder building.

Several anniversaries coincided during the year: The centennial of BMW’s main production plant in Munich, the 50th anniversary of the four cylinder building, and 50 years of BMW electromobility. The aim was to commemorate these milestones in a compelling way and highlight BMW’s values of innovation, sustainability, and a focus on the future to a worldwide audience.

The events had to be organized while the BMW Museum, BMW Welt, and corporate headquarters remained fully open and operational – all in the heart of Munich. That meant planning complex logistics, coordinating with numerous partners, and a high degree of technical precision. Production faced further challenges with open air events, including the intricacies of the weather, as well as fully coordinating lighting, lasers, projections, and sound.

The POOLcrew assumed responsibility for all technical and organizational measures. Lighting and audio technology, rigging, media technology, power supply and event infrastructure as well as technical planning.

Our team planned and implemented the technical aspects on behalf of the agency client, The Department. Images and 3D content were projected onto the 100 meter high four cylinder building and the nearby BMW Museum. By combining lasers, lighting effects, and projection mapping, the show brought to life the 50-year-old story of electromobility on the sides of the buildings.

At the same time, POOLgroup was organizing further anniversary events: The ceremony commemorating the centennial of BMW’s main production plant in Munich (together with the Hagen Invent agency) and the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the four cylinder building, including a spectacular vertical performance at almost 100 meters high by Bandaloop, an aerial dance company.

Thousands of guests and millions of viewers at home were thrilled by the unique production. The combination of architecture, projections, lasers, and music transformed the Munich landmark into an illuminated stage, telling BMW’s journey of innovation from 1972 to 2022.

The anniversary year showed how closely the BMW Group and POOLgroup have collaborated for over 15 years. From trade fair stands and corporate events to light shows, the POOLcrew leverage the entire breadth of their technical and organizational expertise. Illuminating the four cylinder building became a symbol of 50 years of innovation and electromobility and a shining highlight of a special anniversary summer.