Art Market

4 insights from the Art Basel & UBS 2025 report

Key takeaways from the current art market

Here are the four key insights from the Art Basel & UBS 2025 report:

1. A shrinking market... but one that is becoming more democratic: Global sales fell by 12% ($57.5 billion), but the number of transactions increased by 3%. The high end of the market collapsed (–39% for sales >$10 million), while works priced at <$5,000 rose sharply. Fewer very large sales, but much more activity in the accessible segments.

2. A new generational and gender landscape: Female collectors spend 46% more than men on average—and up to twice as much in China, Japan, and Germany. Gen Z and millennials now make up 74% of collectors surveyed. Their purchases favor design, lifestyle, video, and digital. A younger, more female market, more focused on values and identity.

3. Regional dynamics are being reconfigured: The United States remains the leader (43% of the market), but is declining. The United Kingdom has overtaken China (18% vs. 15%). China falls by 31%, its lowest level since 2009. France remains stable at 7%. Major shift: Chinese decline, American consolidation, British comeback.

4. New modes of acquisition: fairs, online, private sales: Sales at fairs increase to 31% of gallery sales. Online sales remain strong: $10.5 billion (double that of 2019). 51% of collectors buy directly via Instagram. Private sales increase by 14%, while auctions fall by 25%. Collectors seek flexibility, discretion, and direct access to artists.