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About Us

Art reflects who we are - as a society, as an individual, and as an institution. It can remind us of our collective heritage. Or hint at our future. The same goes for us - UBS. The UBS Art Collection reflects the many paths our business has taken as we have grown to become one of the world's largest financial institutions. It incorporates key works from our former collections in both the US and Europe - mirroring the businesses that have become a part of us in that time.

With over 1'000 paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures and video art by some of the world's major artists from 1950 onwards, we are widely recognized as having one of the world's most important collections of contemporary art. The philosophy underlying our collection is to build and maintain a seminal body of work that provokes thought while being inspirational. We also believe it upholds our commitment to support and encourage the artistic communities in places where we do business.

All the works are from renowned contemporary artists and of museum quality. In order to maintain the collection's extremely high standard, the works are regularly re-appraised and re-valued. Working with independent curators, we evaluate potential significant additions to our collection - whether by established artists or promising, upcoming talent.

We actively want to reach out and share our passion for art with our clients and the public, so we frequently lend our works to institutions such as the MoMA or Tate Modern. This web museum is also an expression of that desire.

History

Each of the firms that have become a part of UBS over the past decade have an illustrious history of their own - our two Swiss predecessors and PaineWebber were founded in the 19th century and SG Warburg in the early 20th century. They all shared a common belief - that creative thinking and intelligent risk-taking foster positive and enriching outcomes for all those concerned.

The backbone of the collection stems from the merger of UBS and PaineWebber in 2000. The former CEO of PaineWebber, Donald B. Marron, himself an important private contemporary art collector, put together one of the most significant contemporary art collections in the U.S. over a period of 30 years. We are particularly proud and pleased that Mr Marron, now chairman and CEO of Lightyear Capital, has agreed to continue his affiliation with us as a member of the collection's Advisory Board.

This core collection is further enhanced and complemented by selected pieces, mostly photography, from the existing Swiss and European UBS collections.

The introduction of a single UBS brand worldwide in 2003 provided us the opportunity, with the help of independent experts, to create one of the world's most outstanding collections of contemporary art.

We believe the arts serve as a constant reminder of the value of creativity, innovation, inspired action and energy - values that we at UBS seek to bring to the relationships we share with our clients every day.

Advisory Board

The collection’s Advisory Board is comprised of four of the most influential individuals in the field of contemporary art today. They ensure the quality, direction and future of the collection - while maintaining deep ties to the art world.

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Curators

International independent curators work for the Collection. They liaise with the art community, assemble Collection exhibitions with their counterparts from leading museums worldwide and advise on the acquisition and sale of art works.

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Management

A dedicated team manages and maintains The UBS Art Collection - ensuring that it remains one of the pre-eminent collections of contemporary art in the world. Independent art experts curate the collection, liaise with the art community and advise on the acquisition and sale of art works.

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