Guggenheim family
The Guggenheim family ( GUUG-ən-hyme) is an American family of Swiss origin known for making their fortune in the mining industry, in the early 20th century, especially in the United States and South America. After World War I, many family members withdrew from the businesses and became involved in philanthropy, especially in the arts, aviation, medicine, and culture.
Article
Guggenheim family
The Guggenheim family ( GUUG-ən-hyme) is an American family of Swiss origin known for making their fortune in the mining industry, in the early 20th century, especially in the United States and South America. After World War I, many family members withdrew from the businesses and became involved in philanthropy, especially in the arts, aviation, medicine, and culture.
History
Guggenheim family
Meyer Guggenheim and his seven sons. Meyer is in the center of the group. From left to right, are: Benjamin, Murry, Isaac, Daniel, Solomon, Simon and William
Meyer Guggenheim, a Jew from the Swiss town of Lengnau, arrived in the United States in 1847. His surname derived from the name of the Alsatian village of Gougenheim. He married Barbara Meyer, whom he met in the United States. Over the next few decades, their 11 children and their descendants became known for global successes in mining and smelting businesses, under the name Guggenheim Exploration, including the American Smelting and Refining Company. In 1882, with seven of his sons already involved in the family businesses, Meyer organized M. Guggenheim's Sons, which was later reorganized as Guggenheim Brothers. In the early 20th century, the family amassed one of the largest fortunes in the world.
Following World War I, it sold its global mining interests and later purchased nitrate mines in Chile. Subsequently, the family largely withdrew from direct involvement in running businesses. Family members became known for their philanthropy in diverse areas such as modern art, aviation, and medicine. They donated funds to develop Guggenheim Museums, the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory, and the Guggenheim Pavilion at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, designed by I. M. Pei.
Current interests
Guggenheim family
Peter Lawson-Johnston, a British Guggenheim descendant, founded Guggenheim Partners which today (2025) manages over $345 billion in assets. Another family vehicle, Guggenheim Investment Advisors, oversees about $50 billion in assets.
Family tree
Guggenheim family
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 5th Avenue, Manhattan
Meyer Guggenheim (1828–1905) married Barbara Meyer, of German Jewish descent, in 1852. They met in the United States. They had 11 children together, including eight sons, five of whom were active in the family businesses: Isaac, Daniel, Maurice ("Murry"), Solomon Robert, and (John) Simon Guggenheim. Sons Benjamin, Robert, and William pursued other careers. The daughters were Jeanette, Rose, and Cora. Meyer's 11 children, their spouses, and notable descendants are shown below:
Businesses
Guggenheim family
The following is a list of businesses in which the Guggenheim family have held a controlling or otherwise significant interest.
• ASARCO • Anglo-Lautaro Nitrate Corporation • Braden Copper Company • Cain Hoy Stable • Chile Exploration Company • Farrar, Straus and Giroux • Gourmet • Guggenheim Partners • Kennecott Copper • Nevada Northern Railway • Newsday • Tradition Records • Yukon Gold Company