The 5 Most Valuable Art Collections of the Super Rich
Written by
Angela Mae
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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You don’t have to be rich to enjoy art, but only the ultra-wealthy can afford to have their very own private collections worth millions of dollars — if not more. This includes finance and real estate moguls who have, in some cases, spent decades building their wealth and collections both.
Considering the sheer value of these art collections, it might come as no surprise that only the elite few ever get to see some of these pieces. But even if they’re never up for display, why not find out who owns them and the collector’s net worth? According to Artland Magazine, these are the five most valuable private art collections.
David and Ezra Nahmad
- Art collector’s estimated net worth: $1.8 billion (Ezra) and $2.3 billion (David)
- Estimated value of the art collection: $3 billion to $4 billion
Brothers David and Ezra Nahmad have one of the most valuable art collections in the world, and it’s all stored in duty-free warehouse in Switzerland. Their total collection includes anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000 pieces and is worth billions of dollars.
According to a 2007 Forbes article, the brothers have sold more art than anybody alive. They primarily make their transactions at art auctions, holding onto pieces until they can make the most profit.
Their collection includes pieces from Renoir, Monet, Matisse and Rothko. They also have an estimated 300 Picassos, which are valued at roughly $1 billion on their own.
David Geffen
- Art collector’s estimated net worth: $8.5 billion
- Estimated value of the art collection: $2.3 billion, according to Widewalls
A business magnate, real estate mogul, entertainment tycoon and, of course, avid art collector, David Geffen has an impressive art collection that includes contemporary pieces from the likes of Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns and De Kooning.
In addition to his art collection, Geffen is well-known in social circles for his philanthropic work. Case in point, he donated $150 million to the Lost Angeles County Museum of Art in 2017.
Edythe Broad
- Art collector’s estimated net worth: $7 billion
- Estimated value of the art collection: $2 billion, according to the Los Angeles Business Journal
While Edythe’s husband Eli Broad passed away in 2021, this duo made a name for themselves as art collectors and philanthropists — particularly in the areas of medical research, visual and performing arts, and education. They’ve built an impressive collection of contemporary and post-war art pieces over the past 50 years.
This collection includes around 2,000 pieces by such artists as Ed Ruscha, Jasper Johns, Yayoi Kusama and Robert Rauschenberg. Many of these pieces are on display in an art museum the Broads opened in Los Angeles in 2015.
Philip Niarchos
- Art collector’s estimated net worth: $2.8 billion
- Estimated value of the art collection: $2.2 billion, according to Artmajeur Magazine
As the eldest son of Stavros Niarchos, a Greek shipping magnate, Philip inherited a large majority of his father’s fortune — including an impressive art collection that’s said to be the largest private collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world. One such piece is the self-portrait, “Yo, Picasso,” which sold for around $48 million in 1989.
Philip hasn’t stopped there, however. He’s also added an array of contemporary and post-war pieces by such artists as Maurizio Cattelan and Andy Warhol.
François Pinault
- Art collector’s estimated net worth: $21.2 billion
- Estimated value of the art collection: $1.4 billion
Over the past three or so decades, Pinault has built an exceptional art collection that includes upwards of 3,000 pieces — contemporary and modern. His very first piece was the “Tableau Losangique II” by Mondrian, which cost $8.8 million. Other works are by such famed artists as Lucio Fontana, Damien Hirst, Mark Rothko and Jeff Koons. Approximately 200 of these are on display at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice, Italy.
Among other things, Pinault built his fortune by investing in specialty chains, though he later switched to luxury and fashion. He’s also the honorary chairman of Kering, a luxury group that owns such brands as Gucci and Saint Laurent.
Editor’s note: Net worth information was sourced from Forbes and is accurate as of Oct. 29, 2024.
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