Rothschild & Co has refocused its art collection since 2021. Art is now even more strongly associated with the name and brand of Rothschild than before.
Akin to the Medicis of the Renaissance era, the Rothschild family has played a central role as patrons in the art world across generations. This legacy of fostering and nurturing art and culture is being reinterpreted today with a fresh, future-oriented approach.
The current exhibition and collection concept, focusing on artists active in the bank's five historical core countries – Austria, England, France, Italy, and Germany – marks a departure from a previously rather random accumulation of works, to a vibrant and contemporary collection that grows steadily and dynamically.
The idea came from Laurent Gagnebin, the art-savvy CEO of the bank. Curator Jonathan Levy and Giovanna Lagutaine, Managing Director of Wealth Management, supervised the implementation process.
Exhibition view 2023: Painting by Andreas Schulze in the entrance hall of Rothschild & Co, Zurich. (Image: Rothschild & Co, Galerie Max Weber Six Friedrich)
Young talents and established figures
The collection not only reflects the spirit of the times but also engages with socially relevant discourse. With this approach, Rothschild & Co commits to collecting works by young talents and historical positions that may need to be rediscovered in the art market. The collection includes works by KP Brehmer, Hélène Fauquet, Julian Irlinger, Nora Kapfer, Michael Andrew Page, Gili Tal, Josefine Reisch, and Peter Wächtler, to name but a few.
Exhibition ahead of Art Basel
Rothschild & Co is not only making a statement in support of art; they are also pioneering new experiential spaces for clients and employees and fostering dialogue about art. The two annual exhibitions held at the Zurich headquarters on Zollikerstrasse 181, especially the museum exhibition preceding the Zurich Art Weekend and Art Basel are not only highlights in the banking calendar but also platforms for exchange and client relations
«Bank clients increasingly view art as an essential part of their assets»
This year's exhibition, themed «Identities», will open its doors on June 6. The exhibition is accessible only to invited guests or by prior registration, representing a clear commitment by the bank to strengthen its brand through the power of art
The art team: Giovanna Lagutaine and Jonathan Levy (Image: Rothschild & Co)
Art as an asset
At Rothchild & Co, the value of art is emphasized. Lagutaine stresses that within the bank, art is treated like a carefully curated portfolio. A commitment to first-class selection is reflected both in the exhibited artworks and in the choice of represented galleries – a quality standard ensured by Levy's extensive expertise in the international art market.
Long-term perspective
Lagutaine confirms, «We invest in artists who have been thoroughly researched. Similar to our investments, we take a long-term view and essentially become stakeholders in the careers of the artists we collect. Bank clients increasingly view art as an essential part of their assets. This perspective on art, not as a short-term speculative object but as part of a long-term strategy, also reflects Rothschild & Co's independent advisory philosophy in banking.»
Exhibition view «Dwellings» Jun.-Dec 2022, work on the right by Josefine Reisch. (Image: Rothschild & Co)
Bringing art to clients
«The parallels between art and financial advisory at Rothschild & Co are remarkable»
«Our goal is to create a platform for new discoveries,» says Levy. After the exhibition opens, an internal art commission decides which works to purchase for the collection. Bank clients and employees can also acquire artworks. This approach leads to a win-win situation for artists, galleries, and visitors to the exhibitions. Importantly, the bank does not take any commission.
Art education at all levels
In addition, extensive materials, such as booklets or presentations about the exhibited art, are available to clients and employees. The offering is supplemented by regular guided tours for registered guests and staff in multiple languages. Since 2024, the Geneva location has also been hosting rotating exhibitions.
Lagutaine and Levy present an annual art market review in the premises of Rothschild & Co in Zurich every December. (Image: Rothschild & Co)
Bridge between finance and art
«We want to strengthen not only the bank's brand with our new focus but also build a bridge between the past and current global issues. In an ever-changing world, markets and art go hand in hand. And we follow the developments at all levels,» emphasizes Jonathan Levy.
