History and Aims
In October 1982, Irene and Peter Ludwig established the "Ludwig Foundation for Art and International Understanding“. After the sudden death of her husband on July 22, 1996, Irene Ludwig established the "Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation“. The Foundation is subject to German foundation law (according to §2, section 1 of the foundation law of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia) and continues the activities of its predecessor. It is governed by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board. Irene Ludwig is the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees. The seat and administrative offices of the Foundation are in Aachen.
The goals and activities of the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation are stipulated in the statutes. According to these statutes, the Foundation’s purpose is realized in particular through the acquisition and administration of art objects, including the organization of exhibitions and the promotion of loans to public exhibitions, as well as through the financial support of the acquisition and maintenance of works of art and the promotion of exhibition activities.
The primary goal of the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation is the long-term continuation of its international activities in the tradition established by Peter and Irene Ludwig. In order to reflect and preserve their spirit, cosmopolitan attitudes are the most significant feature of the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation. One of its foremost missions is, therefore, the development of international relations on a cultural level.
Another essential goal of the Foundation is to facilitate cooperative efforts between the various Ludwig Museums in the spirit of international cultural dialogue. The promotion of a multicultural dialogue will improve social relations beyond national borders. By establishing a foundation, Irene and Peter Ludwig created an institution that is dedicated to transporting their intentions and ambitions into the future. The Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation brings these ideas and visions together and thus constitutes a legacy to ensure that the activities and efforts, to which the Ludwigs have dedicated their lives, will survive.
In accordance with the visions and goals of the founders and in appreciation of their enormous achievements and outstanding collection, it is the responsibility of the Foundation's boards to lead the Foundation into a prosperous future. The boards are, however, at the same time, free to react to the challenges of changing times. The establishment of the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation was not intended to serve the purpose of preserving the Ludwig Collection as a monument, but rather to pursue any acitivities, in the spirit of the founders, that are future-orientated and productive.
Peter Ludwig
Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Peter Ludwig, born on July 9, 1925, in Koblenz as the son of Dr.jur. Fritz Ludwig and Helene Ludwig, née Klöckner, from the family of the Klöckner Group. Humanistic A-levels in 1943, followed by military service through 1945. Return from American captivity. In the winter semester of 1945 begins studies of law at the University in Bonn and, in 1946, studies of art history, archaeology, prehistory and philosophy at the newly founded University of Mainz. His interests in art and culture originate from his parents’ home. First collecting activities during the years of studies.
1950 doctoral thesis entitled "Das Menschenbild Picassos als Ausdruck eines generationsmäßig bedingten Lebensgefühls“ ("Picasso’s image of man as an expression of a generationally determined attitude to life“). 1951 marries Irene Monheim. Successful management career in the family-owned Monheim/Ludwig Chololate Company. As of 1957, cooperation with the museums in Cologne and Aachen. Member of numerous museum boards and committees.
International honours and decorations, including the nomination as Honorary Professor of the University Cologne (1972); the appointment as "Honorary Citizen“ of the City of Cologne (1975); the appointment as "Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur“ (1988); the "Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Schulterband des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland“ (1992); and the appointment as "Honorary Citizen“ of the City of Aachen (1994).
Numerous honorary doctorates: University of Basel/Switzerland (1975); Karl Marx University, Leipzig/Germany (1983); Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia/Bulgaria (1985); University of Vermont, Burlington/USA (1987); College of Fine Arts, Budapest/Hungary (1988); University of Barcelona/Spain (1990); Instituto Superior de Arte, Havana/Cuba (1991); University of Havana/Cuba (1995); Academia de Arta, Bucuresti/Romania (1995).
Peter Ludwig died on July 22, 1996.
Irene Ludwig
Professor Dr. h.c. mult. Irene Ludwig, born June 17, 1927 in Aachen, as the daughter of Olga Ella and Franz Monheim, owner of the family-owned Monheim Company in Aachen. 1946 A-levels in Aachen. 1947 begins studies of art history, archaeology and prehistory in Mainz. Her interests in art and culture originate from her parents’ home. First collecting activities during the years of studies in Mainz.
1951 marries Peter Ludwig. As of 1957, cooperation with the museums in Cologne and Aachen. Member of numerous museum boards and committees.
International honours and decorations, including the nomination as Professor from the Austrian Federal President (1978); the appointment as "Honorary Citizen“ of the City of Aachen (1994); the appointment as "Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur“ (1995); the appointment as "Honorary Citizen“ of the City of Cologne (1995); the "Großes Goldenes Ehrenzeichen mit dem Stern für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich“ (1996); the "Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland“ (1998).
Numerous honorary doctorates: Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia/Bulgaria (1985); Eötvös University Budapest/Hungary (1987); University of Havana/Cuba (1993), and University of Vermont, Burlington/USA (1999).