Meet the art collectors with home galleries: 'The stock market doesn't give me any fulfillment'
Art vs Stocks: Where's True Fulfillment?
Art collectors like real estate entrepreneur Grant Cardone and former investment manager Christian Levett find more fulfillment in collecting art than in traditional investments like the stock market. Cardone, a spontaneous buyer with a significant social media following, enjoys the personal satisfaction of viewing his diverse art collection displayed in his Miami home. Levett, on the other hand, focuses on female artists and shares his collection through private tours in his Florence home, aiming to inspire future art supporters. Meanwhile, in Berlin, the Boros Collection is uniquely housed in a converted WWII bunker, where owners Christian and Karen Boros live above their extensive collection of contemporary art.
What are the future plans for Christian Levett’s museum in France, and how does it reflect his focus on female artists?
Christian Levett's museum in France, the Mougins Museum of Classical Art, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Levett plans to close the museum and rebrand it as the Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins (FAMM), which will be the first museum in Europe dedicated to women artists. This shift reflects Levett's collecting focus, which has increasingly centered on female Abstract Expressionists in recent years.
The rebranded museum is scheduled to open in June 2024, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Tracey Emin, Carrie Mae Weems, Joan Mitchell, Lee Krasner, Helen Frankenthaler, Elaine de Kooning, and Cecily Brown, among others. The museum will exclusively display artwork created by women, highlighting the contributions of female artists throughout history.
Levett's decision to focus on women artists stems from his belief that they have been consistently overlooked throughout history. By creating a museum dedicated to their work, Levett aims to bring greater attention and recognition to these artists and their contributions to the art world.
Can you detail the historical transformation of the World War II bunker in Berlin into the Boros Collection's exhibition space?
Initial Use and Post-War History
The bunker that houses the Boros Collection in Berlin was originally constructed during World War II. Its primary function was to provide shelter for up to 4,000 people during air raids. Following the war, the bunker underwent several transformations. It was first used as a storage facility for tropical fruits and later became a nightclub, reflecting the changing needs and culture of post-war Berlin.
Acquisition and Conversion
In 2003, Christian and Karen Boros acquired the bunker. They embarked on a significant project to convert this vast, high-rise building into a unique cultural space. The transformation involved removing 450 tons of concrete from the ceilings and walls, a massive undertaking that required numerous diamond saws. This extensive renovation was aimed at repurposing the sturdy bunker into an exhibition space while also accommodating a penthouse apartment for the Boros themselves on the top floor5.
Current Use as an Art Venue
Today, the Boros Collection is not just a traditional museum but an exceptional art venue that showcases contemporary art. The space features a five-floor exhibition area where artworks are displayed on rotation. As of the latest reports, the collection includes 114 works with a thematic focus on the human body, exploring its interaction and adaptation to technological advancements. The bunker, with its historical layers and contemporary function, stands as a symbol of resilience and transformation, attracting nearly 600,000 visitors since its opening to the public in 2008.