If you’re heading to Washington, D.C. this September, car fans and art lovers alike won’t want to miss a one-of-a-kind exhibition: Andy Warhol’s legendary BMW M1 Art Car will be on public display for just one week.
From September 17–23, 2025, the Hagerty Drivers Foundation will stage its annual Cars at the Capital exhibition on the National Mall. This year’s centerpiece is the 1979 BMW M1 painted by Warhol himself—an icon that blends high-performance racing with pop art flair.
The car will be showcased in the Foundation’s distinctive glass display case, set against the backdrop of the Smithsonian museums. Admission is free, giving locals and visitors alike a rare opportunity to see one of the most famous Art Cars ever created.
A Fusion of Art and Speed
Warhol’s BMW M1 was the fourth entry in the BMW Art Car Collection, a program that began in 1975 when racing driver Hervé Poulain asked his friend, artist Alexander Calder, to design a race car. What started as a passion project has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with contributions from notable artists such as Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, and Jenny Holzer.
Unlike earlier Art Cars, Warhol personally painted his M1 by hand, applying bold strokes of color that seem to blur as if the car were already in motion. His intent, he explained, was simple: “I attempted to show speed as a visual image. When the automobile is really traveling fast, all the lines and colors are transformed in a blur.”
This particular car isn’t just about looks; it competed in the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 6th overall and 2nd in its class. That mix of art, culture, and racing history makes it a natural addition to the National Historic Vehicle Register, where its story will be permanently archived in the Library of Congress.
Why It Matters
Casey Maxon, Director of Heritage at the Hagerty Drivers Foundation, calls Warhol’s M1 “arguably the most iconic example in the Art Car series.” He adds, “The National Historic Vehicle Register features many different eras and cultural touch points of our automotive past. The Warhol M1 represents the confluence of great German engineering, fabulous Italian design, performance on the global stage, and the lasting influence of the dynamic American pop-art scene.”
For visitors, the significance lies not only in seeing a Warhol masterpiece but also in experiencing how the worlds of art, racing, and design collide. This is the kind of exhibition you’d expect to find behind museum glass, not gleaming under the open sky of the National Mall.
Family Fun Day
To make the event more engaging for younger visitors, the Hagerty Drivers Foundation is also hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 20. From noon to 4:00 p.m., kids will be able to paint their own mini masterpieces inspired by Warhol and the Art Car tradition.
The Family Day activation will be held at the 13th Street crosswalk on the Mall, right between the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the USDA Building, steps away from the main display.
It’s a chance for families to experience art and car culture together while giving kids hands-on creative inspiration.
Part of a Global Tour
This exhibition is also part of a broader celebration. The BMW Art Car Collection is marking its 50th anniversary with a world tour. The Warhol M1 appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance earlier this summer, alongside the newest Art Car—a 2024 BMW M Hybrid designed by Julie Mehretu. Its stop in Washington, D.C., adds a distinctly American chapter to its global journey.
If You Go
- Event: Cars at the Capital featuring Andy Warhol’s BMW M1 Art Car
- Dates: September 17–23, 2025
- Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C. (13th Street crosswalk, between the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and USDA Building)
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Special Event: Family Fun Day, Saturday, September 20, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
About the Hagerty Drivers Foundation
Launched in 2021, the Hagerty Drivers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving automotive culture and history. In addition to maintaining the National Historic Vehicle Register, the Foundation provides scholarships for students in automotive studies and supports driver education programs. More information can be found at driversfoundation.org.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Whether you’re a Warhol enthusiast, a car buff, or just someone looking for a memorable stop in Washington, this pop-up is a rare chance to see an artwork that’s both a cultural icon and a racing machine. And unlike most museum experiences, it’s entirely free.
If your September plans take you to the nation’s capital, make sure you carve out time to see Andy Warhol’s BMW M1 on the Mall. It’s a fusion of art and speed you won’t find anywhere else.
