For over 50 years, the Union International Club (UIC) has been located in the Villa Merton, the former residence of the Frankfurt entrepreneur and patron Richard Merton. The Club was founded as an international meeting place where people from diverse countries and various cultures could come together to participate in a wide variety of programs. These events are composed of themes effecting issues of political, financial, educational, social and cultural significance worldwide. There are speaker’s luncheons, lectures, opera and literary circles, and an active program of various events which ensures a club community atmosphere and relationship amongst the members.
The Union International Club has programs for professionals as well as events for its families. These events are all hosted at our charming venue. The historic Villa Merton estate is set in an exquisite garden with cultivated grounds offering a tranquil green oasis in the centre of Frankfurt.
The spacious garden terrace offers two separate services: a top culinary menu and a family style service. Both of these settings provide a location to enjoy good food and stimulating conversation. The Club has a tennis court, heated swimming pool, and children’s pool in the garden. These attractions and the comfortable lawn provide the ideal surroundings for weekends and afternoons.
The elegant atmosphere of Villa Merton offers a perfect ambience for events. Members and non-members are provided with the opportunity to rent the facilities for private and business activities.
The Union International Club is located in the heart of Frankfurt’s diplomatic district. The Club has evolved over the years as a venue for international business and political forums in an intimate setting. All diplomatic consuls residing in Frankfurt and board members of the European Central Bank are honorary members of the Club. Approximately 30% of the UIC’s 550 members are from the international community.

Villa Merton history

Richard Merton (1881 – 1960) became in 1916 Executive Director of the Metallgesellschaft AG, founded by his father, Wilhelm Merton. The Villa Merton was built by Richard Merton in 1925 in the neo-baroque style, typical for townhouses in Basel, Switzerland during this time. In 1939, Richard Merton, who was of Jewish descent, fled Germany for England, the home of his ancestors. Richard Merton returned to Germany in 1947.
The Villa Merton was badly damaged during the war. In March 1945, the Americans used the Villa Merton as a headquarters to be in close proximity to the IG Farben company. The Americans initially used the Villa Merton as officers’ housing, it later became the home of the American Press Club.
In 1953, Richard Merton sold the Villa Merton to the City of Frankfurt with the express wish for the building to become a venue for international meetings and activities. In 1956, the City of Frankfurt fulfilled this wish by leasing the Villa Merton to the Union International Club e.V. In its beginnings, the UIC, like the American Press Club, served to intensify a German-American relationship, this interest was then expanded to embrace the international community and devote a better understanding between nations worldwide through intercultural dialogue. The Villa Merton is protected under strict historic preservation laws. The Club membership has lovingly and diligently restored this great facility over the years.