The origins of the Wagner family
The roots of the Wagner family go back to the 18th century, when they settled in Diekirch. Originally from the village of Zittig, the family gained prestige and wealth over the centuries. The name Wagner became known in Diekirch above all through Jean Wagner Senior, who founded the Jean Wagner wagon factory in 1871, laying the foundation for the family's entrepreneurial heritage.
“You have success when you keep going when it's difficult.”
— Valentine Meris-Wagner
Jean Wagner Senior: From Farmer's Son to Entrepreneur
Jean Wagner Senior, born in 1846, grew up in a time of economic change. After learning the trade of coachbuilding in France, he founded the Jean Wagner carriage factory in Diekirch in 1871. Initially, the company manufactured carriages, later expanding its range to include automobiles. The innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive of Jean Wagner and his sons led to the company being one of the first to sell Benz automobiles outside of Germany.
The Rise and Expansion of the Company
In the 1890s, Jean Wagner's sons also joined the family business. The company flourished, and through the partnership with Carl Benz, it became one of the first Benz dealerships outside of Germany. In 1920, one of the sons, Jean Wagner Junior, took over and continued the business under the name 'Grand Garage Jean Wagner.' During this time, the company continued to expand: new sales rooms were opened in Diekirch and Luxembourg City, and the company became an important player in the Luxembourg automotive industry.
Valentine Wagner: A Woman at the Helm
In the 1930s, Jean Wagner's daughter, Valentine, took over the management of the family business. Despite the reservations at the time about women in leadership positions, she led the company to new successes. Under her leadership, the company continued to expand, and in 1959 the long-awaited expansion to Luxembourg City took place. Valentine shaped the company until 1997, when she finally sold it to Mercedes-Benz. This sale ended the Wagner family's entrepreneurial history.
The Creation of the Museum
In 1997, the same year that Valentine Wagner sold the company, the association was founded with the aim of creating a national conservatory for historical vehicles. The Meris-Wagner family, the former owners of the 'Fabrique de voitures Jean Wagner,' played a central role in realizing this vision. With the support of the City of Diekirch and the Luxembourg state, the historic building that once housed the Wagner factory was restored and classified as a monument. In 2004, the museum opened its doors and has since preserved a valuable piece of Luxembourgish history.
