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Impressions of the Georg Speyer House on its designation as a Historic Site of Chemistry

On 29 September 2026, the German Chemical Society officially welcomed the Georg-Speyer-Haus in Frankfurt am Main into its “Historical Sites of Chemistry” programme. Closely associated with the work of Paul Ehrlich, the institute preserves a special chapter of scientific history and shows how chemical research and medical progress go hand in hand. Explore the Georg-Speyer-Haus in pictures – and discover the stories behind this place.

Three interesting facts about the Georg Speyer House

Paul Ehrlich – Nobel Prize winner and pioneer

Paul Ehrlich (1854–1915) brought medicine and chemistry together and is considered the founder of modern chemotherapy. He received the 1908 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly with Élie Metchnikoff for his work on immunology—not for developing Salvarsan.

The Georg Speyer House – Research made possible by a donation

The Georg Speyer House opened in Frankfurt am Main in 1906, made possible by a donation from Franziska Speyer. It is named after her late husband, Georg Speyer. As its first director, Paul Ehrlich was able to expand his research there into the targeted treatment of infectious diseases.

Salvarsan – a breakthrough in the fight against syphilis

In 1909, Paul Ehrlich and his colleagues at the Georg Speyer House discovered that “compound 606” was effective against syphilis. Farbwerke Hoechst launched the medicine in 1910 under the name Salvarsan. It became a milestone in modern chemotherapy and brought the Institute worldwide renown.

Interested in joining the programme?

You conduct research or work at a place that is significant for the history of chemistry. Have you considered including it in the ‘Historical Sites of Chemistry’ programme? Please contact me – I’ll support you with the next steps.