About Us
Patronage
The Roman C. Maecenas (70 – 8 b.c.) was a generous patron of the arts, and it is from his name that the German word “Mäzenatentum” (patronage) is derived. This expression refers to the generous provision of financial support for the arts and sciences, and in a broader sense for culture and society. The patron is characterised by his or her willingness to make socio-politically motivated investments in the future, with no expectations of any immediate concrete returns.
Patronage takes many forms, with just as many objectives: in addition to foundations and endowments, there is also volunteer
support, for example in charitable organisations.
In the city of Cologne, the rise of the wealthy merchant class in the 19th century resulted in a growing trend towards the establishment of foundations, which have had a considerable influence on the cultural life of the city ever since.
The Oppenheim family was, and remains, at the forefront of this trend. In 1839, for example, several family members were among the founders of the Kölnische Kunstverein (Art Association of Cologne). The family also lent its support to the Wallraf Richartz Museum, established in 1861 as the first communal art museum in Germany, by contributing numerous paintings from their collection. Cologne ultimately has Albert Freiherr von Oppenheim (1834–1912), connoisseur of the arts and owner of one of the premier private collections of paintings in Germany, to thank for the establishment of its Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Applied Arts). Both the family and the Bank have carried this tradition of patronage for art and culture right through to the present day.
This chronology gives a historical overview of the most important cultural and social activities of the Oppenheim family:
1789
At the age of 17, Salomon Oppenheim jr. founds a commission and exchange house.
1816
After a disastrously bad harvest, Salomon Oppenheim makes a large donation of corn for the poor of Cologne.
1820
The Prussian government entrusts the leaders of Cologne's Jewish community, Salomon Oppenheim jr. and Salomon Cohen, with the supervision of Jewish primary schools.
1839
The Cologne Art Association is established. Therese, Simon, Abraham and Dagobert Oppenheim are among the founding members.
1841
A "most humble and direct petition" is submitted to the King of Prussia by Simon and Abraham Oppenheim, calling for the full emancipation of the Jews.
1842
Foundation of the Zentral-Dombau-Verein. Nine family members join immediately.
1859
Eduard Oppenheim and other citizens of Cologne participate in the formation of Cologne Zoo.
1861
The consecration of the synagogue at Glockengasse, which was funded by Abraham Oppenheim took place.
1863
Eduard Oppenheim is among the initiators and co-founders of the horticultural society "Flora". He remains Chairman of the Board of Directors
until his death.
1875
Simon, Abraham, Eduard and Albert von Oppenheim make a donation to the Cologne Music Conservatory.
1883
Inauguration of the Oppenheim Children's Hospital on the fifth anniversary of the death of Abraham von Oppenheim.
1885
Charlotte Freifrau von Oppenheim endows a hospital in Bassenheim, near Koblenz.
1899
Max von Oppenheim discovers a city dating back to the first millennium BC at Tell Halaf in present day Syria. He later leads the excavation
of valuable discoveries.
1913
Emil Freiherr von Oppenheim is one of the founders of the Cologne Museum of East Asian Art.
1928
The Bank supports the construction of new premises for the University of Cologne.
1946
Friedrich Carl Freiherr von Oppenheim is one of the co-founders of the Europa Union, which fights for a joint Europe.
1957
The Institute for Banking Business and Banking Law (Institut für Bankwirtschaft und Bankrecht) is founded at the University of Cologne on the initiative of Harald Kühnen.
1989
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Bank’s formation, the Salomon Oppenheim Foundation and Alfred Freiherr von Oppenheim Foundation are established.
1997
The Oppenheim family funds an endowment chair for research into racism, anti-Semitism and the holocaust at the Yad Vashem museum and research
centre in Jerusalem.
2001
The Salomon Oppenheim Foundation decides to financially support the renovation works of the Tell Halaf temple façade.
Opening of the exhibition "The Fascination of the Orient. Max von Oppenheim - Explorer, Collector, Diplomat" in Cologne's Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum.
2003
The bank supports the restoration and reconstruction of three windows of the Cologne Cathedral.
Please do not hesitate to contact us
Bank Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. (Switzerland) Ltd.
Uraniastrasse 28
CH-8022 Zurich
Switzerland
Phone +41 44 214-2214
Fax +41 44 211-1085
Send e-mail
Two centuries history of Sal. Oppenheim
The long history of the bank Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. which dates back to the year 1789 can be viewed here.
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