Christie’s to Auction Agnes Gund Art Collection in November
The upcoming auctions in New York City will benefit the philanthropic efforts of the Gund Art Foundation.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Fine Art
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Christie’s will auction a significant collection of artwork formerly owned by the late philanthropist Agnes Gund across several sales starting November 19, 2026. Proceeds from the auction are slated to benefit the Gund Art Foundation.
Why it matters
The sale highlights the legacy of Agnes Gund, who served as president of the Museum of Modern Art from 1991 to 2002 and was a prominent advocate for arts-based philanthropy. Her previous major sales, including a $165 million Lichtenstein, have historically fueled significant social and artistic funding initiatives.
The collection features high-value works including a Vija Celmins painting estimated at up to $8 million and a Cy Twombly sculpture projected at up to $3 million. Gund previously made headlines in 2017 by donating $100 million of a $165 million sale to the Art for Justice Fund.
The players
Agnes Gund
She was a prominent art collector and philanthropist who served as the president of the Museum of Modern Art.
Christie's
This British-founded auction house is a global leader in the sale of fine art and luxury goods.
Gund Art Foundation
This philanthropic entity is the designated beneficiary of the upcoming art auction proceeds.
The details
The auction series includes pieces by renowned artists such as Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Cindy Sherman, and Sarah Sze. These sales follow a lifetime of collecting for Gund, who notably donated 800 works to the Museum of Modern Art.
Timeline
1977: Agnes Gund founded Studio in a School.
1991-2002: Agnes Gund served as president of the Museum of Modern Art.
2017: Agnes Gund sold a Roy Lichtenstein painting for $165 million.
November 19, 2026: Christie’s 21st Century Evening Sale occurs.
November 20, 2026: The Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale occurs.
Industry Dynamics
This auction follows a trajectory of high-profile philanthropic art sales that have redefined the role of private collections in funding social justice and arts organizations. It continues the trend of utilizing blue-chip art assets to generate substantial liquidity for non-profit foundations.
Potential collectors and art enthusiasts can participate in the offerings through the live evening and day sales held in New York City. The items will also be available for bidding through several scheduled online auctions.
The takeaway
Collectors should monitor the results of these sales as they often indicate broader shifts in the valuation of postwar and contemporary artists. Those interested in the intersection of art and philanthropy can look to the foundation's future grant announcements for the tangible impacts of these proceeds.
Further reading
For more on the current market, explore the Fine Art section for updates on upcoming sales.
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