Featured Image: John Egerton 6th Duke of Sutherland taken at his ancestral home Mertoun Hall Scotland
Contrary to popular belief, not all art masterpieces reside in public museums.
A private art collection is a personal assembly of valuable artworks owned by individuals or organizations, not displayed in public museums but cherished for personal enjoyment or investment purposes.
A select group of billionaires indulges in the exclusive hobby of amassing private art collections. Apart from the sheer joy of ownership, these collections serve as stable and lucrative investments. Here, we unveil eleven private art collections that are worth knowing, providing a glimpse into the elite art world.
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King Charles III Collection: Former Prince Charles of England boasts the world's largest private art collection, dispersed across 13 royal residences within the UK. With over a million objects, including 7,000 paintings and 450,000 photographs, this collection spans centuries and represents the taste of monarchs over 500 years. -
Steve Cohen Collection: Considered one of the most prestigious collections globally, Steve Cohen's collection features post-impressionist, modern, and contemporary artworks. With pieces like Gauguin's Bathers and Jackson Pollock's drip paintings, Cohen's quest to create an incredible collection is evident. -
Wildenstein Collection: Nathan Wildenstein founded Wildenstein & Cie in 1875. The Wildenstein family's $10 billion Art collection is renowned for its masterpieces from the 14th to the 20th centuries. Works by artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, Gauguin, and Cézanne contribute to the legacy of this Eldorado of the Arts. -
Eli and Edythe Broad Collection: Valued around $2.2 billion, Eli and Edythe Broad's contemporary art collection is one of the best globally. With almost 2000 works, including artists like Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol, this collection is accessible to the public at The Broad Museum in LA. -
Niarchos Family Collection: Inherited by Philip Niarchos, the Niarchos family boasts a remarkable Impressionist and Modern Art collection. With works by Van Gogh and Gauguin, their collection reflects their passion for art spanning various eras. -
Poju and Anita Zabludowicz Collection: Accumulating over 5,000 pieces from 500 artists, Poju and Anita Zabludowicz's collection is showcased at 176, a gallery in North London. They plan to establish a privately funded contemporary art museum in the future. -
Duke Of Sutherland Collection: Put together by Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, it's among the best collections of old master paintings in private hands, the Duke of Sutherland's collection features masterpieces by Titian, Rembrandt, Raphael, and Nicolas Poussin. -
François Pinault Collection: With almost 2,500 works of modern and contemporary art, François Pinault's collection is valued at around $1.4 billion. Exhibited at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice, the collection includes pieces by Rothko, Fontana, Koons, and Hirst. -
Casa De Alba Collection: Owned by the Duchess of Alba until her passing in 2014, this impressive collection in Madrid boasts works by Fra Angelico, Velázquez, Titian, and Goya. Modern masters like Picasso and Chagall also enrich this collection. -
Lee Byung-Chul Collection: Following the death of Lee Byung-chul, his remarkable Korean art collection was opened for public tours. This collection is considered one of the country's largest private art collections.
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These top private art collections are a testament to the passion and discerning taste of their owners. Their dedication to preserving art across diverse periods and styles showcases the enduring power of art as an investment and a source of joy for the privileged few.
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