Art brings people together from across the world, making galleries a popular tourist attraction. However, there are several famous art collectors who own some of the world's most impressive works of art. While some of these collections are private and not available for the public to view, others are displayed in museums and galleries for everyone to enjoy.

Many of these collections are extremely valuable, often with an unknown total value. While some pieces are bought by dealers to be sold, many are exhibited so they can be cherished for their history. Every portfolio has famous artwork backstories to share that make each piece extra special.

1. Ezra and David Nahmad

This magnificent $3 billion art collection is one of the most valuable compilations in the world, consisting of up to 5000 pieces. It is jointly owned by two brothers, Ezra and David Nahmad, who buy modern and impressionist pieces to sell for profit. Their collection is purely business, with the works being stored in a warehouse until they are sold. Within their portfolio, they have valuable Etruscan Sarcophagus masterpieces, Leonardo da Vinci's oil paintings, and 300 Picassos.



2. David Geffen

David Geffen's contemporary art collection focuses on mid-century American artists and features a couple of 20th-century masterpieces. Now worth $2.3 billion, this substantial private collection was recently depleted after Jackson Pollock's Number 5 and Willem de Kooning's Woman III were sold. However, it is still considered one of the best selections of post-war American artwork.

3. Eli and Edythe Broad

Considered the best contemporary art collection in the world, this 2000-piece arrangement contains artwork from many famous artists, including Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. The compilation, worth $2.2 Billion, is displayed at The Broad Museum in Los Angeles. Eli and Edythe Broad opened The Broad Museum in 2015 as a place to exhibit their beloved artwork and offer free admission to the public so everyone can enjoy it too. Visitors frequently travel to see Warhol's Two Marilyns and Lichtenstein's I… I'm Sorry.

4. Philip Niarchos

Philip Niarchos inherited his incredible private art collection from his father, Niarchos Senior, after his death in 1996. Originally the artwork was bought for $3 million from Edward Robinson in 1957. Since then, Philip has added several post-war contemporary paintings. Now worth $2.2 billion, this is considered the most extensive Van Gogh compilation in the world.



5. François Pinault

The French billionaire François Pinault not only owns Christie's auction house but also has a 2500-piece artwork collection worth $1.4 billion. It has taken François 30 years worth of collecting to put together this collection of modern and contemporary artwork, including pieces by Picasso, Damien Hurst, Jeff Koons, and Mark Rothko. This collection has been made public and is available to view at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice.

6.Steve Cohen

The American investor, Steve Cohen, started collecting artwork in 2000 and has quickly built up a portfolio worth $1 billion. Featured works include Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Damien Hurst, highlighting the contemporary focus within this collection. Steve also has several paintings by post-impressionists and a small amount of modern art.



7. Bernard Arnault

Bernard Arnault is a big name in the business world as CEO of LVMH. His fortunes make him one of the most wealthy men in the world, and he is also a keen collector of contemporary art with a portfolio of unknown value. After the Fondation Louis Vuitton opening in 2014, which Frank Gehry designed at Arnault's instigation, some of his pieces were moved here to enable public viewing.

8. Charles Saatchi

Charles Saatchi is a world-renowned art dealer and collector with an eventful career spanning over 20 years. Along with having an envious art collection of unknown value, he also opened the Saatchi gallery in North London in 1985. Having changed location to Chelsea, Charles donated the Saatchi gallery and most of his portfolio to the British public in 2010. Charles Saatchi has been a vital part of many young British artists' careers as he often buys artwork from these young artists instead of concentrating on sought-after famous paintings.

9. Lee Byung-Chull

Considered to be the most extensive private collection of Korean artwork, Lee Byung-Chull left it to his son Lee Kun-hee when he passed away in 1987. Most of the pieces are kept at the Korean Private Art Museum, which is accessible to the public, ensuring all visitors can enjoy these unique pieces of artwork.

10. Poju and Anita Zabludowicz

The husband and wife couple Poju and Anita Zabludowicz started collecting artwork in the 1990s. They now have an impressive 5000-piece collection featuring 500 artists. Most of the portfolio is displayed at 176, the North London gallery, enabling the public to enjoy these pieces too. The pair are also well known for supporting young artists and often buy their work to add to their compilation.

Displaying art collections

There is an ever-growing interest in artwork, making many of the paintings in these valuable portfolios highly sought after. While some of these collections are kept private, an increasing number of these artists' works are displayed in galleries, ensuring everybody can enjoy them.