Several high-profile collectors and investors are well-known for their significant contributions to the art world, either through direct purchases or through their foundations and museums. This list includes individuals, couples, and entities known for their extensive art collections or investments in art. Keep in mind that the art market is dynamic, and the prominence of collectors can change.
1. François Pinault – The French billionaire owns one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the world and has established several museums in Venice, Italy.
2. Leonard Lauder – The heir to the Estée Lauder fortune, he is a significant benefactor of the Whitney Museum of American Art and has promised his collection of Cubist art to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3. Eli Broad – An American billionaire who passed away in 2021, Broad was known for his extensive contemporary art collection and the Broad museum in Los Angeles.
4. Bernard Arnault – As the CEO of LVMH, Arnault has a vast collection and has established the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris to showcase art.
5. David Geffen – The American business magnate and producer has an impressive collection of American artists and has been a generous donor to the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
6. Philip Niarchos – The son of shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos, he has one of the world’s most valuable private art collections, including works by Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.
7. Joseph Lau – The Hong Kong real estate tycoon has an extensive collection that includes works by Andy Warhol, Paul Gauguin, and other masters.
8. Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani – A member of the Qatari royal family, he was known for his extravagant art purchases before his death in 2014.
9. Roman Abramovich – The Russian (or Israeli?) oligarch and his former wife have been significant figures in the art world, with Zhukova founding the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow.
10. Steve Cohen – The American hedge fund manager is known for his high-profile purchases, including works by Picasso and de Kooning.
11. The Mugrabi Family – This family is known for their vast holdings of Andy Warhol pieces among other contemporary artists.
12. Mitchell Rales – Co-founder of the Danaher Corporation, he established the Glenstone Museum in Maryland to house his collection of modern and contemporary art.
13. Alice Walton – The Walmart heiress founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, showcasing her extensive collection.
14. Paul Allen – The late co-founder of Microsoft was known for his collection of Impressionist and modern art, parts of which have been exhibited worldwide.
15. Victor Pinchuk – The Ukrainian billionaire is a significant contemporary art collector and the founder of the PinchukArtCentre in Kyiv.
16. Eugenio López Alonso – The heir to the Jumex fruit juice company fortune, he is known for his contemporary art collection and the Museo Jumex in Mexico City.
17. The Qatar Museums Authority – Under the leadership of Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, it has become one of the world’s most significant art buyers, focusing on modern and contemporary art.
18. Hasso Plattner – The German billionaire co-founder of SAP has a museum in Potsdam and a significant collection of East German art and international contemporary works.
19. Wang Jianlin – The Chinese billionaire has been involved in significant art purchases through his Dalian Wanda Group.
20. Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei – This Chinese couple has made headlines for their high-profile purchases and founded the Long Museum in Shanghai.
This list represents a mix of collectors known for their significant impact on the art market and their contributions to public art education through museums and foundations. The art world is constantly evolving, and new collectors emerge as major players regularly.