Grant Cardone, a multimillionaire who has been collecting art for around 15 years, describes himself as a spontaneous buyer with a keen eye for pieces that catch his attention. According to Cardone, he doesn’t consider himself a connoisseur but rather someone who buys what he likes without worrying about the artist behind it. His art collection is displayed throughout his home, where he also has an art gallery to accommodate his considerable collection. Cardone’s buying habits reflect his impulsiveness, as exemplified by his purchase of an untitled piece by American graffiti artist Retna in an online auction for around $140,000. He also owns pieces by American pop artist Burton Morris, which he acquired from the previous homeowner, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger. Cardone, known for his real estate investments and authorship of “The 10 X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure,” uses his social media platforms to occasionally share insights on art investing and his personal collection.
Christian Levett: The Art Historian
Conversely, former investment banker Christian Levett takes a more methodical approach to art collecting, drawing on his background in art history to curate a diverse collection spanning old master paintings, Roman, Greek, and Egyptian antiquities, and works by female abstract expressionists. Levett’s art museum in Mougins, France, houses a remarkable array of pieces, reflecting his eclectic tastes and passion for sharing art with others. In his home in Florence, Italy, Levett conducts tours for small groups, often composed of students from prestigious universities or art enthusiasts. His collection predominantly features abstract expressionist works by female artists like Mary Cassatt and Dorothea Tanning, with highlights such as a 1977 painting by Joan Mitchell titled “When They Were Gone,” acquired for around $2.8 million and now valued at $15-18 million. Levett’s dedication to promoting art education is evident in his efforts to engage the next generation of art enthusiasts through tours and public outreach.
Christian and Karen Boros: The Innovation in Art Display
In Berlin, the Boros Collection stands out as a unique art space where husband and wife Christian and Karen Boros reside in a penthouse apartment above their private collection housed in a renovated World War II bunker. The couple purchased the building in 2003 and transformed it into a five-floor exhibition space, with their living quarters occupying the sixth floor. Known for their innovative approach to showcasing art, the Boros Collection features an array of works focusing on the human body and its relationship to technology. The bunker has become a cultural landmark, attracting nearly 600,000 visitors since its conversion in 2008. Guided tours of the space offer insights into the diverse range of artworks on display, reflecting the Boros’s commitment to creating a dynamic environment for contemporary art appreciation. Raoul Zoellner, director of the Boros Foundation, emphasizes the transformative nature of the project, highlighting the challenges and rewards of converting a historical site into a vibrant art space.
The art collections of multimillionaires like Grant Cardone, Christian Levett, and Christian and Karen Boros offer unique insights into the varied approaches to art collecting and display. From spontaneous purchases driven by personal taste to meticulously curated collections focused on art history and education, these individuals demonstrate the diverse ways in which art can enrich lives and inspire others. Whether through social media engagement, museum tours, or innovative exhibition spaces, these collectors contribute to the vibrant landscape of contemporary art appreciation and cultural preservation.