As the largest center of millionaire wealth, the US stands out as an increasingly influential engine of new collecting, artist support, philanthropy and market optimism. The Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2026 by Arts Economics highlights what’s fueling this momentum: wealth, optimism and a rising generations of collectors.
Authored by Dr. Clare McAndrew, founder of Arts Economics, it reveals fresh insights into the evolving behaviors and motivations of collectors around the world.
US Market Highlights
The Americas lead in market confidence
- 74% of US collectors surveyed expected the fine-art market to grow through 2026
- 30% expected significant growth through 2026
Historic wealth transfer is creating new collectors and patrons
- Billionaires are projected to transfer $6.9 trillion by 2040, with nearly half to US heirs
- The US adds more than 1,200 millionaires each day
- 86% of US HNWIs surveyed had inherited works
- Gen Z averaged $347,460 in fine-art spending in 2025
The US collector base is growing
- 41% of US collectors surveyed are new collectors
- 37% of US collectors are motivated primarily by investment, versus 23% overall
US collectors back living and emerging artists
- 77% of works in US collections feature living artists
- 65% bought work by newly discovered artists
- 33% of US collectors were most likely to consult artists for in-person advice
US collectors stay active and build large collections
- US collectors owned 79 works on average
- 27% owned 100 works or more
Private collectors increasingly create public impact
- US collectors surveyed led in plans to:
- Donate and gift works
- Create foundations or private museums
- Support artists through prizes, mentorships or residencies
Gain more insights
Download the Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2026 and reach out to a UBS Financial Advisor about how UBS can help you build, manage and transfer an art collection as part of your overall wealth and legacy.