It may seem like China has a new wealthy person launching a private museum every month but the actual numbers, though they continue to grow dramatically, show that China has started from such a low base, it will take years for the museum infrastructure to match the US or Europe:
According to China Museums Association, the number of museums built in China by both the government and private individuals jumped from 2,601 in 2009 to 4,164 in 2014, a 60% jump. However, the country is starting from a low base. Figures from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services show that America is home to more than 35,000 museums and art institutions.
China’s private museums: art or vanity projects? (ECNS)
More from Art Market Monitor
Pity the Poor Billionaire, Outbid for Art and Building Franchise-Like Museums
Vernissage TV: Singapore Art Museum’s Chimera Show
Billionaires Turn Down Met Bid to Revive Contemporary Wing
In Southeast Asia, Art Struggles to Find a Place in the Public Sphere
Cleveland Museum Refuses Sicily’s Offer
Do Museums Need a Bailout?
