Aesthetic appreciation remains the primary driver for Romanian art collectors, but nearly half (46%) also consider artworks a strategic investment, according to the Deloitte Art Market Report 2025. For many, art offers more than personal satisfaction – it serves as a store of value, a means of portfolio diversification, and a hedge against economic volatility.
The report reveals a balanced interest between local and international art: 49% of collectors divide their focus between both, while 36% remain committed exclusively to Romanian artists, highlighting cultural affinity and accessibility as key factors.
Painting dominates the art scene in Romania, with 89% of collectors having purchased paintings in the past and 86% expressing future intent to do so. Sculpture and photography follow, with 53% and 49% of respondents, respectively, including these in their collections. Future interest in these categories stands at 60% for sculpture and 49% for photography.
While installations and conceptual art are less prevalent in current collections, interest is growing – 31% of collectors indicate an intent to explore these genres. Niche categories such as glass art, video art, and outdoor sculptures are also on the radar, but experts note that broader popularization is needed to boost their appeal.
Romania’s art collector base skews relatively young, with 65% of respondents aged between 35 and 56. Contemporary works, particularly those created after 2000, resonate strongly with this demographic – cited by 80% of collectors in both past acquisitions and future plans.
Art is generally viewed as a complementary asset within Romanian investment portfolios. Only 5% of collectors allocate more than half of their wealth to art, while the majority (60%) limit art investments to 10% or less of their total assets. Similarly, over half (59%) spend no more than 10% of their annual income on art.
In terms of collection size, 34% of respondents own between 6 and 24 pieces, reflecting a trend toward curated, personal collections over large-scale accumulation. Still, a notable 11% report owning over 100 works, with another 11% holding collections exceeding 300 pieces – a signal that large-scale collecting, while niche, has a strong presence.
