Foundations make a significant contribution to society. Or, in the words of Reinhard Ernst: ‘Without foundations, nothing would work in Germany.’ A conversation with the Wiesbaden-based benefactor on the German Foundation Day.
In May, the foundation sector turns its attention to Wiesbaden, as this year the German Foundation Day takes place in the capital of Hesse. Under the theme ‘Empowering with Courage: How Foundations Strengthen Community,‘ Europe’s largest conference for the nonprofit sector will bring together around 1,500 participants in more than 80 individual events from 21–22 May, 2025. The event will host high-profile figures from politics, society, business, academia, and civil life. The congress is organised by the Association of German Foundations and will be held at the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden. Former Federal President Joachim Gauck will open the German Foundation Day.
Several events will also take place at the Museum Reinhard Ernst, located near the RMCC. Entrepreneur, art collector, and museum founder Reinhard Ernst is a prominent local benefactor. Together with his wife, he established the operational Reinhard & Sonja Ernst Foundation in 2004. Through the Museum Reinhard Ernst, they have created a significant new cultural venue in Wiesbaden, dedicated entirely to abstract art. Talika Öztürk from the Association of German Foundations spoke with Reinhard Ernst about his collection, the German Foundation Day, and why courage is essential when trying to achieve something.
As a collector, you’ve collated a comprehensive collection with a distinct ‘signature,’ from which around 80 works are now on display in the museum. What is the philosophy behind the museum and the vision of the Reinhard & Sonja Ernst Foundation, and what are your main areas of focus?
Through our foundation, we promote art and culture, support children and the elderly, and engage in heritage conservation. We only initiate and implement projects to which we have a personal connection and whose value to society we are convinced of. With the Museum Reinhard Ernst, we want to contribute to creating equal opportunities in our society. We firmly believe that engaging with art unleashes creativity. Our museum is open to everyone, and we are committed to fulfilling the expectations of a democratic museum. That’s why our museum is open exclusively to school classes and educational institutions in the mornings – so that all children, regardless of their background, can discover art. Behind this is not only a philanthropic approach but also entrepreneurial thinking: creative employees are the foundation and backbone of any company, and therefore of our economy.
The Museum Reinhard Ernst showcases abstract art, which often opens up new perspectives and crosses boundaries. How does this approach align with the German Foundation Day’s theme, “Empowering with Courage,” and what does courage mean in your foundation work?
I see a strong connection here: many artists in my collection were courageous and, against the prevailing trends, helped establish abstraction as an art form. These are works that don’t dictate what you should see, but leave interpretation up to the viewer. This non-conformist, bold way of thinking and creating is inspiring for children and is intended to spark their creativity. As an entrepreneur, I believe it’s vital to encourage children to think creatively and trust themselves to act accordingly from an early age.
The construction of our museum, dedicated solely to abstract art, also took courage. Without courage, which of course must always be based on careful consideration, nothing can be achieved in life, and that applies equally to foundation work.
The German Foundation Day is bringing the foundation community to Wiesbaden. As the founder of the Museum Reinhard Ernst, what expectations, hopes, or specific goals do you associate with your participation in this event?
First of all, I’m pleased that our beautiful Wiesbaden was chosen for the German Foundation Day. As someone who considers foundation work indispensable in Germany, I hope – and frankly expect – that we will succeed in convincing more people in politics that nothing works in Germany without foundations. I am confident that together we can make many things even better.
And of course, I hope that many of the participants will visit our museum while they’re in Wiesbaden. I’m convinced that the welcoming atmosphere of our museum helps foster the development of great ideas.
About the Reinhard & Sonja Ernst Foundation
Founded in 2004 in Wiesbaden, the Reinhard & Sonja Ernst Foundation supports values that reflect the ethos of its founders. These values are evident in art and culture, as well as in places of community and learning. The founders aim to use their contributions, engagement, and networks as effectively as possible for the public good. The foundation realises this approach exclusively through its own projects. Examples include the ‘House of Hope’ in Natori, Japan, which became a meeting place for many children and elderly people after the 2011 tsunami disaster, and the music school building in Eppstein. Among the listed heritage buildings supported by the foundation, the Walderdorffer Hof in Limburg an der Lahn exemplifies what the founders value.
About the Association of German Foundations
The Association of German Foundations represents the interests of German foundations in political and public life. With over 4,300 members, it is the largest and oldest foundation association in Europe. Every year, the 60 largest foundations in Germany alone contribute more than 5 billion euros to the public good. The association advocates for optimal conditions for philanthropic activity and supports its members and donors, particularly through consulting and networking, in their work.
