Description [EN]
The Ernst Schneider Foundation was established in 1984 by entrepreneur Ernst Schneider and is headquartered in Schloss Jägerhof in Düsseldorf. Schloss Jägerhof was constructed between 1763 and 1767 under the direction of the Palatine court architect Nicolas de Pigage. Originally built as a hunting and pleasure lodge for Elector Karl Theodor, the building underwent multiple functional changes after the Palatinate became part of Prussia in 1815. It served variously as an administrative seat, military barracks, and from 1950 housed the Goethe Museum until its closure in 1982.
From 1984 to 1986, the foundation commissioned a monument‐appropriate restoration of the Rococo palace. The exterior facade features curved window pediments, pilaster divisions, and a mansard roof. Inside, original stucco work, wood paneling, and authentic room layouts have been preserved. The palace is registered as a historic monument and today operates as a public institution dedicated to cross‐border cultural initiatives.
The foundation’s mission is to promote Franco‐German relations in the fields of business, science, and culture. To this end, it regularly organizes rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and photography, expert panel discussions, symposia, and lecture series. A special focus lies on topics of European integration and cultural exchange. Since 1990, the foundation has awarded the “Ernst Schneider Prize for Business Journalism,” recognizing media contributions that enhance economic understanding within Europe.
Exhibitions at Schloss Jägerhof take place in the historic salons, as well as on the upper floors and in the attic. Past events have included a photography biennial documenting societal changes, a media art exhibition on the development of digital art forms, and an interdisciplinary conference on the future of mobility in the EU. In addition to these temporary programs, the foundation offers educational formats for school groups and partnerships with universities.
The foundation’s library and archive hold estates of prominent figures from business and politics, as well as documents on the history of Franco‐German cooperation. All collections can be consulted by appointment. Funding is provided through endowment capital, donations, and project grants from public bodies. According to Wikipedia and the foundation’s official website, all facts are regularly documented in annual reports and audited publications.