Appreciation given to Mr. Zanders.
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, a new chapter is being written at the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders. The museum, which was once a hub of art, music, and civic engagement, was shaped by the visionary Maria Zanders, and her legacy continues to influence its collection focus and mission.
Maria Zanders, along with her sisters Julie and Olga, are set to receive a special honour as part of the FrauenOrte NRW project. This initiative, which aims to correct the distorted perception of women's contributions to history, will see 57 female personalities from over ten centuries and all regions of North Rhine-Westphalia honoured at 52 locations by the end of 2025.
The proposal for their inclusion came from Dr. Ulrich Soënius, director of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Wirtschaftsarchiv zu Köln. The three women, who were pioneers in their time, took responsibility for leading the company Zanders at a time when this was not common, as emphasized by Judith Klaßen, the equal opportunities officer of the city of Bergisch Gladbach.
Their significant roles in the history of the Rhine economy were often overlooked, but the FrauenRat NRW project aims to draw attention to these three Bergisch Gladbach entrepreneurs and highlight the role of companies in history. Frank Stein, the mayor of Bergisch Gladbach, paid tribute to the life's work of the three women, stating that they secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years.
Dr. Ina Dinter, the director of the Kunstmuseum Villa Zanders, emphasized the lasting significance of Maria Zanders' work. Her understanding of art has influenced the collection focus 'Art from Paper' and the mission to make contemporary art visible at the museum.
The women are being commemorated with a memorial plaque at Villa Zanders. The project is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Refugees and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and the patron is Minister for Equality Josefine Paul.
Tatjana Gräfin von Spee, born Zanders, a representative of the Zanders family and chairwoman of the Altenberger Dom-Verein founded by Maria Zanders, paid tribute to the achievements of the three entrepreneurs for the paper factory and the social and cultural life of the region.
To learn more about the FrauenOrte NRW project and its honourees, visit
This honour is a testament to the enduring impact of the Zanders sisters and serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising the contributions of women throughout history.
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