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 „Große Goldene Ehrenzeichen mit dem Stern

für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich“ (1996); the "Goldene Ehrenzeichen mit dem Stern für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich" (1996); the „Große Verdienstkreuz mit Stern des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland“ (1998) and the "Große Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Schulterband des Verdienstordens" (2007).

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).

Irene Ludwig died in November, 28th, 2010.

The Austrian Ludwig Foundation takes leave in mourning and great respect from an adorable and inimitable personality.