Gen Z is spending more on art than ever before. It’s a key piece of the Great Wealth Transfer, UBS says

Gen Z, the youngest generation in the art market, has been outspending all other age groups for fine art in 2025 and the first half of this year, according to a UBS and Art Basel survey. Despite being just 29 years old on average, Gen Z collectors spent more than twice as much on fine art as older generations, and nearly half of collectors who purchased artwork above $1 million were from this generation.

The average spending for Gen Z on fine art increased by 19% to $347,460, significantly higher than the bank's broader high-net-worth clientele, whose average spend was $124,265.

Matthew Newton, executive director and head of Art Advisory Americas on the Family Office Solutions team at UBS, suggests that this spending surge is a key component of the Great Wealth Transfer, where older generations are transferring trillions of dollars to their heirs. For Gen Z, family connections play a significant role in their entry into the art market.

While 28% of all collectors cited family as their primary route into collecting, this percentage rose to 40% among Gen Z. Furthermore, nearly 90% of Gen Z collectors who inherited artworks kept them.

The art-related aspects of the Great Wealth Transfer are also fostering inter-generational discussions about buying and collecting. As more first-generation collectors engage with younger family members, these conversations often involve educating the younger generation about the art world. UBS has responded to this growing demand by creating a dedicated Art Advisory Specialist role to guide families through the process of passing down artwork from one generation to the next, covering everything from selling strategies to tax considerations.

These discussions extend beyond individual pieces, as the value of a collection can significantly impact a family's overall net worth.