Görög Örökség Ελληνική Κληρονομιά - H-ellin.com

Like his father, Simon assisted Széchenyi in materializing his plans and in due time he was declaired
one of the greatest patrons of the public institutions that were built and receiving considerable
recognition during his era. Besides, Sinas's personal assistant, Antal Tasner, was one of Szechenyi's
most highly appreciated partners and also served as the secretary of the Partnership that founded the
Chain Bridge.
After his father Georgios died, Simon Sinas became one of the wealthiest tycoons in the
Austro-Hungarian Empire. The fortune he inherited was up to 80 million forint along with 29 pieces
of family property of 1,373,700 acres. All this makes it easy to understand why he was not
especially thrilled by the prospects of business activities. As his contemporary Lőrinc Tóth said " he
didn't increase his father's money, he didn't carry water to the sea." To him, money was only the
means to ensure a life fitting an aristocrat and devoted to benefactions.
Simon Sinas subsidized the emerging cultural institutions of the nation, acknowledging their
importance in the educational and mental progress of the Hungarian people. He supported the
National Theatre, the Highest School of Fine Arts and the National Museum. In Hungary, he offered
the biggest donation to the Hungarian Academy of Science. This ultimate educational institute
which aimed at achieving the mental guidance that accrues from the financial, social, cultural and
scientific progress, lacked permanent housing even during the years 1850-60. In 1825 until 1830 the
sessions took place in Presvourgo, in the hall of the Upper Parliament, whereas in Pesti, the sessions
started only from the year 1830 and the General Assemblies from the year 1831. The Library was
accommodated in various places (for instance, the Nako Mansion for a while) and hosted the
assemblies of the Board of Directors and the committees. Finally, in 1859, after the appeal of count
Emil Dessewffy, then president of the Academy, a fund-raising collection started. Before the
collection in 14' August 1858, Simon Sinas offered his 80,000 forint donation, which was the first
and biggest private one. The baron's letter and reference act that defined the requirements for the
donation were conducted in Vienna.
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