The factory was originally founded in 1896 as the Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach before being acquired by BMW in 1928.
The famous BMW 3/15 PS, also known as the Dixi, was the first mass-produced car manufactured at this location.
Following World War II, the factory was seized by Soviet authorities and continued to produce BMW-branded cars under the Awtowelo brand until 1951.
The Wartburg 311, launched in 1956, is widely considered the most aesthetically significant design to emerge from the GDR production line.
During the GDR era, the factory was renamed VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE) and became the primary employer in the city.
The production of the final Wartburg model, the 1.3, ended in 1991 following the German reunification and the acquisition of the facility by Opel.
The museum grounds include historical 'Olof Palme' buildings that reflect typical industrial architecture of the mid-20th century.
The museum maintains an archive that documents the engineering challenges of managing a state-owned enterprise in a centrally planned economy.
Automobile Welt Eisenach is located within a former BMW and later Wartburg production facility, preserving the history of vehicle manufacturing in Thuringia. The museum documents over 100 years of automotive engineering, starting with the transition from the Dixi factory to the state-owned VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach. Key focus areas include the development of the iconic Wartburg passenger cars and the influence of the Iron Curtain on Eastern Bloc automotive design. Exhibits are housed in original industrial buildings, maintaining the authentic atmosphere of the old factory floor. Visitors can explore various stages of production and the evolution of German engineering under different political regimes. The collection contains rare prototypes and historical documents chronicling the factory's rise and eventual closure.
The central exhibition floor featuring the brightly colored row of Wartburg 311s.
Prioritize reading the provided placards in the 'Motorenwerk' section, as they detail the transition from aviation engines to automotive production.
Visit during a weekday to observe the facility when it is less crowded, allowing for a better view of the smaller, tighter-packed vintage vehicle displays.
Do not attempt to touch the vintage car finishes, as many are original and unprotected by barriers.
Closed on Mondays.
