X-Men action figures portray characters created for Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. While the characters were introduced in 1963, the action figures were first produced in 1991 by a company called Toy Biz (now Marvel Toys). Toy Biz introduced the first nine figures in the series that year. These characters included Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, Archangel, Nightcrawler, Apocalypse, Juggernaut, Colossus, and Magneto. During that decade, at least two sets of X-Men action figures were released annually, featuring other characters which included Gambit, Iceman, Banshee, Forge, Sabretooth, Professor X, and Rogue.
Today, X-Men action figures are considered a collectors item, and these toys can fetch a pretty penny if you sell them in an online auction. Read on to learn more about these incredible toys, what they are worth, and how you can determine their authenticity.
What is the average price range for X-Men action figures?
The price for X-Men action figures can range from $19.99 for the more common figures to $1,000 for some of the rare 90s figures that sell on eBay.
Here are some examples of X-Men action figures that fetch a higher price:
Deadpool with Extending Dagger ($500)
Cyclops with Apocalypse Card ($250)
X-Men Space Riders Set with Master Battle Cruiser ($75)
X-Men Water Wars Hydro Blast Wolverine ($170)
X-Men vs Street Fighter Cyclops and M. Bison ($90)
Kane Deluxe 10″ Figure ($200)
Wolverine with Light-Up Weapons ($180)
Grand Canadian X-Men Four Pack – 2nd Edition ($194)
Uncanny X-Men Omega Red ($341)
X-Men Battle Blasters Wolverine ($348)
Uncanny X-Men Saber Tooth ($328)
X-Men vs Street Fighter Gambit and Zangief ($1,000)
How do I determine the value of my X-Men action figure?
The best way to determine the value of an X-Men action figure is to search to see what price it is currently selling for online. You can check out the price guides and recent listings on online auction sites, such as eBay.
It’s also important to keep in mind the condition of the item you are selling. Is the original packaging still in place, or is it a loose figure? Items in mint condition and in their original box will fetch the highest prices.
Are limited edition X-Men action figures more valuable?
Limited edition means that only a certain number of figures were created. Limited edition X-Men figures are more rare than regular ones, making them more likely to sell for higher prices.
How do I authenticate an X-Men action figure?
You can have your X-Men action figures graded and authenticated by experts. Collector Archive Services provides third party authentication services, which may be worth the price if you want your figures to fetch a high price online. People are more likely to pay higher prices for X-Men figures online if they have been graded and authenticated by the experts.
FAQs
Does the condition of an X-Men action figure affect its value?
Yes, the condition has a huge impact on the value of these toys. Action figures in great condition are more valuable than those in poor condition. They are also worth more when they are still sealed in their original box.
You can verify the condition of your action figures by hiring a third-party grading service to grade them on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being Gem Mint and 1 being poor.
Are there any X-Men action figures that are considered rare or hard to find?
Yes, there are some X-Men action figures that are considered rare. This includes the Wolverine Action Figure by Sentinel, which is a rare find according to Sideshow.com. There is also a rare “Spy Wolverine” action figure that was exclusive to Kay Bee toys.
Where is the best place to buy X-Men action figures?
You can purchase X-Men action figures online at a variety of different outlets, including sites such as eBay and other auction platforms, as well as at stores that sell toys.
Jeremy Kennedy has been fond of amusement park rides since childhood. It all began with carnivals – he was fascinated by all of the lights, the sights, and the smells. His father took him to a carnival in a parking lot of a nearby town. “Driving to this small town and seeing a carnival changed everything for me!” shares Jeremy. When he was old enough to drive, he got a Six Flags season pass. There, he learned about the intricate workings of amusement park rides. He was even part of a team that was invited to evaluate Six Flags as a park.
Soon, he became interested in vintage amusement park rides. His interest began with visits to antique stores, where he would find kitschy souvenirs such as ash trays and plates. “There are a lot of artefacts out there, and I feel like I’m rescuing them,” Jeremy says. Besides these souvenirs, the growing collection also consists of amusement ride replicas that Jeremy built himself, including a couple of large Ferris Wheels. “I always tell visitors, ‘prepare to be amazed’. The collection is even more spectacular at night, because of the lights. Some of them have audio, and they play carousel music.”
For Jeremy, collecting is all about preserving the past and the thrill of the hunt. He enjoys growing his collection through visiting antique stores, which he finds addicting. “As a kid, you put up pennants of your favorite sports team. Amusement parks were always close to my heart. I could never own an amusement park, but I can build a miniature one.” He tends to focus on 1950s for his collection, mainly because, “all that stuff from the 1920s has already been written about.” The 1950s brought popular parks such as Disneyland and Silver Springs.
This collection is unique for its size and variety. Jeremy prides himself on being able to obtain and preserve objects that many people have never seen before – and often, objects that can only be found in his collection. For example, Jeremy found a small handbell from an obscure amusement park that closed in 1982 from an estate sale. “I realized I might have things that people haven’t heard of just because I took a risk on buying something,” he explains. “I might be the only person who has one, and I restored it back to life. I think that sets me apart from others.”
His favorite piece is one that most people might not understand the significance of. It’s a ceramic plate that hangs in his bathroom, and it’s from a very small amusement park called Gold City, which closed back in the 80s. He drove past the park as a kid, but never went there. “Finding a souvenir of this place was like finding a leprechaun,” shares Jeremy. “My spouse found the plate at an antique store for $1.” The park’s claim to fame was an old show called HeHaw – a comedy country music show. A man named Archie Campbell was a writer on that show, and on Friday nights he would host a singing contest in Gold City. “Most people, if I showed them that plate, wouldn’t understand, but for me it brings back a lot of memories.”
The oldest piece in the collection is the shell of a fire engine from a carnival ride. Jeremy shares a story about how he came across this piece: a man was selling watermelons on the side of the road, and in the garden that was next to him, Jeremy spotted the fire engine. There was a plant growing inside, and it had two steering wheels. He picked it up for $25, and now it’s the oldest thing in his collection. “I think it’s from the 1940s,” says Jeremy.
The most expensive item in Jeremy’s collection is a gondola from an old amusement park called Frontier Land. He paid $1,000 for the piece, and then renovated it. Today the piece is worth much more than $1,000, but Jeremy likes it far too much to sell it. This gondola, along with the plate from Gold City, are among his most prized possessions. Another favorite from the collection is a Disneyland pennant that he picked up for about $30, but it’s worth over $100.
This collection, which is around 650 pieces in size, is displayed in a bedroom of Jeremy’s home. Jeremy and his spouse don’t have children, so they have discussed the possibility of donating the collection to a museum. But for now, Jeremy plans to enjoy his collection – and share it with visitors that come to his home. As one of his neighbors told him, “This is the kind of place you look in and you can’t help but smile!”
Music memorabilia is a popular collectible category, and it includes an item which we will discuss in more detail: vintage concert tickets. Vintage concert tickets are valued by collectors as they hold lots of nostalgia for bands of the past. They typically list the name of the band and the date of the concert, and their design can also be a unique factor.
You may be wondering – just how collectible are vintage concert tickets? Are they worth anything, or are they just a fun way to reminisce? How many people actually collect concert tickets? Read on to learn more about vintage concert tickets and their value as a collectible item.
Mountain View, California – June 18, 1988 – Old used ticket for the concert of AC-DC at Shoreline Amphitheatre
Do people still buy vintage concert tickets?
The most valuable kind are those tickets that are unused where the entire ticket is intact, but ticket stubs can be worth something as well if they show the band’s name, the venue, and the date. Another factor contributing to their value is if the tickets date back to when the original members of the band were playing.
Tickets from the 60s and 70s are in high demand, but other decades of tickets hold value as well, such as tickets from the 90s, which have recently become popular. Condition plays a role in the value of the tickets, but some wear is expected as it’s rare to find them in perfect condition.
Some examples of valuable tickets are Woodstock Festival tickets from 1969, which are highly collectible. In 2014, a vintage Beatles ticket sold for a whopping $16,488.
Mountain View, California – June 7, 1987 – Old used ticket for the concert of Bon Jovi at Shoreline Amphitheatre
What causes the value of vintage concert tickets to rise?
When it comes to vintage concert tickets, not all of them will become super valuable. Some factors such as historical importance, rarity, and condition all have an impact on a ticket’s value. Read on to learn more about these factors!
Historical Importance
Collectors will shell out more money for tickets that have some sort of historical significance. Tickets for the final performance of a popular artist, for example, will tend to sell for more. In recent years, tickets for the final performance of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper have climbed in value to around $17,000. Other historical moments include the first performance of a hit song, a performance on a historic date, or an artist’s career milestone.
Cultural Impact
Sometimes, a ticket has more than just historical significance – it could be that the ticket has some sort of relevancy in the current culture. If a band is in the news a lot or something significant is going on with them, the value of their past concert tickets could skyrocket.
Current Condition
Scratches, fading, and bent corners all affect the value of the concert ticket. Many tickets used to be torn by the ticket collector, so finding an entire ticket intact is a great find that can be quite valuable. As an example, a Beatles ticket in great condition sold for $16,000, while a ticket to that same concert with a slight tear sold for just $1,842.
Rarity
Rare tickets have a tendency to be more valuable than common ones. The more scarce a ticket is, typically the selling price will be higher.
What are the most valuable vintage concert tickets?
The most valuable vintage concert tickets feature legendary bands or popular concerts. Tickets from special milestones in a band’s career also tend to have more value.
Legendary Bands
There are some legendary bands whose concert tickets tend to be the most valuable collectible items. Here’s a list of the top twelve collectible bands and artists.
The Beatles
Rolling Stones
Bob Dylan
The Doors
Jimi Hendrix
Pink Floyd
Eric Clapton
Queen
Led Zeppelin
The Who
Nirvana
Janis Joplin
Popular Concerts & Events
Certain popular concerts over the years have produced more valuable ticket stubs than others. This includes Woodstock Festival 1969, which at the time was a big cultural phenomenon. It was all about protesting for peace against the Vietnam War, and it became an example of what that generation was all about. No one has ever been able to recreate such an event, making the tickets to it quite valuable. Other valuable and memorable events include Live Aid and Woodstock.
Get your vintage tickets graded
PSA is best known for grading sports cards, but they will also grade your tickets for you. If you are a serious collector or are looking to sell, consider having your tickets graded. This will verify their condition as well as ensure their authenticity. PSA will grade your tickets on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being Poor and 10 being Gem Mint.
Buy shares in vintage concert tickets
If buying vintage concert tickets is too expensive, there’s an alternative option! The online platform Rally offers a new approach to investing in concert tickets. Rally is offering shares of a ticket to Elvis’s last performance in 1977 for just $8 a share. The ticket itself is worth around $40,000.
FAQs
What do I do with vintage tickets from concerts?
Save your old tickets and stubs! They could be a collector item. Even if yours don’t increase in value, they can be quite nostalgic and provide a great way to reminisce about a band or concert.
Do old ticket stubs have value?
Old ticket stubs can be quite valuable. Typically, the most in-demand item is a full ticket in its original condition, but if the ticket stub contains important information about the concert, it can still be worth something.
How can I keep vintage tickets from fading?
Store tickets at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Also, be sure to store them away from humidity to prevent other types of damage.
Nova Montgomery never set out to be a collector: she simply fell in love with the quality of the Singer Featherweight Model 221 sewing machine. “There never has been another sewing machine with as perfect a stitch!” she shares. She started out using this sewing machine as a quilter, but after fixing the machine a few times, and reading everything she could find about the machine, she came to be familiar with its workings. When friends would have something go wrong with their machines, they would reach out to her to fix them. Pretty soon, this avid quilter spent most of her time fixing sewing machines for others. She took a leap and had a company develop a website for her growing business, and things really started to take off.
The collecting part came later – when an avid sewing machine collector from Casper, Wyoming reached out to her. He wanted to know about Nova’s collection, and she confessed she only had the machine she sewed on. He was surprised and let Nova know that she should start collecting sewing machines. With his encouragement, Nova began collecting, mostly with machines that she purchased through his connections with others. The first machine that Nova purchased for her collection is a 1934 Chicago World’s Fair badged machine, which is her favorite piece in the collection by far. “It’s very special to me. It was a special event in our country, and it’s a very special, unique machine.”
Nova also added to her collection by purchasing some machines from pickers who were selling them online. They refused to send her photos of the machines, but the price was very low, so Nova agreed to purchase them, thinking she could probably use the parts. She purchased two machines, and when they arrived, they turned out to be collector’s machines in perfect condition. The pickers didn’t know the value of what they had!
Overall, Nova owns 16 or 17 machines, and she has 11 of them on display in her sewing room. There is a high shelf in the room that was built for the purpose of displaying them, and they are all in chronological order. All of the machines in her collection are historically unique in some way. Some other notable items in her collection are a 1951 Singer with a badge to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary. The badge reads, “A century of sewing.” She also owns a Blackside machine. These machines were produced in 1939 using an anodized process for the chrome pieces, since nickel and chrome were in short supply as the country was getting ready for WWII. She also has a 1939 Singer that has a crinkle finish.
Today, Nova is an avid collector and offers sewing machine repair services. She has also served on the faculty of the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas for over a decade. Her true passion is teaching people how to care for their sewing machines. At lectures, she often asks students if they drove there in a 70-year-old car or used a 70-year-old kitchen appliance to prepare breakfast that morning. “There aren’t many things in our households that function for so long, but these sewing machines do! I believe they will be sewing for generations if they are well cared for.”
John Grace’s interest in collecting bicycles started in 1983, when his father started collecting bikes. “My dad wanted to find a bike like the one he had as a kid, so we looked at bike shows, garage sales and old bike shops,” explains John. “My brother and I went with him, and we were exposed to a whole new world! There were so many interesting designs and mechanical innovations.” Today, both John and his brother own bike collections.
For his collection, John tends to focus on several brands that he really likes, as well as specific time periods. While his dad was focused on the 1940s and 1950s, John and his brother were fascinated with high wheelers and turn of the century bikes. He found these bikes to be very ridable – a plus, since he tends to actually ride the bikes he collects. The brothers often take part in various parades and events. “It opened us up to a whole new activity,” shares John. “I even met my wife through collecting.” John’s wife’s father is one of the founding members of the Wheelmen, a club for bicycles made prior to WWI. She participated in many events, but after she and John met, she got more involved in collecting.
John’s favorite piece in his collection of over 200 bikes is his 1889 Columbia Light Roadster High Wheeler. It has a 53” front wheel and is the bike he has ridden the most frequently. “I have completed about a dozen centuries on it. A century is when you ride 100 miles in a day.” The oldest bike in his collection is a 54” 1882 Columbia Expert, and the most recent is a Recumbent which he purchased in 2000. The first bike that John ever restored was an 1899 Columbia Chainless Bicycle, which he purchased from a shop in Pittsburgh.
When it comes to value, John has everything from a $10 bike to a $9,000 bike. Overall, bikes tend not to lose or gain significant value. “In a 20-year span, they’ve gone up, but from year to year there aren’t any significant changes,” explains John. He watches auctions often so that he can keep track of the value of his collection for insurance purposes. The most valuable bike John owns is actually his wife’s Star bicycle. It’s a high-wheel safety where the large wheel is in the back and the small wheel is in the front. This designed is to help prevent the rider from going over the handlebars.
John notes a few other unique bikes in his collection. He has a restored 1941 Elgin Twin Bar, which is a very special bike. It was only built for four years. It’s art deco in style and has a unique frame, with continuous tubes that loop from the headset to the rear wheel and then back to the headset to form the frame. This bike was sold by Sears right before World War II. “Sears bikes sold before the war were called Elgins, and after the war they were called J.C. Higgins,” shares John. He also has an 1890 Columbia Light Roadster Hard Tire Safety Bike and a 1908 Columbia Men’s and Ladies shaft drive with dual suspension and 2-speed rear hubs, which is a unique feature.
John and his wife Dorothy keep a handful of bikes at home in Michigan, but the bulk of their collection is displayed in a building located in a nearby town. Everything is laid out chronologically and then by brand. John likes things in chronological order so that he can walk people through the evolution of the bicycle through time.
Folk art is a broad art form that is difficult to define. Its primary purpose is to express the cultural identity of the artist. This differs from fine art, which is created primarily for aesthetic purposes.
Folk art has a rich history and comes in many forms and from many cultural backgrounds. Read on to learn more about folk art, include how to define it, how it differs from other art forms, and what famous artists and works of art are considered folk art.
What is Folk Art?
Other genres of art are more easily defined than folk art. Folk art is very different than traditional art. Folk art is art that is generally produced by artists that have no formal training. It is often produced by a tradesperson who has been apprenticed. The main purpose of traditional folk art is to express their cultural identity. Traditional rules such as perspective and proportion are less important than conveying this cultural identity.
Fine Art
Also known as “high art,” this type of art is the highest standard of artistic expression. This type of art is created for the sole purpose of being visually pleasing. Unlike “low art”, which is often designed for more practical reasons, this type of art is design for aesthetic purposes.
Outsider Art
Outsider art is created by artists who have little influence from the world of mainstream art, and instead follow their personal visions. These artists tend to have no formal training, and many of them are not aware of mainstream art, as they focus on what they personally like to create. They are also motivated differently than mainstream artists. They make art for themselves, to document life experiences or historical events.
Types of Folk Art
If you were to cover every type of folk art in existence, the list would be never ending. Folk art comes in many varieties and originates from a long list of countries and cultures. However, there are a few types that are the most well-known or popular. Read on for just a sampling of the most popular types of folk art.
Indian Folk Art
Indian folk art reflects India’s rich and diverse cultures, and there are over 50 types. Here are a few of the most well-known types.
Aipan Art: Aipan art originates from the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India. It includes Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu themes. This type of art often consists of geometric prints on paper cloth or walls. These are all designed for special occasions, ceremonies, and rituals.
Assamese Miniature Painting: Assamese paintings are usually painted on tulpap, agar leaves, and wooden plates which are typically between 1 and 24 inches long and between 8 and 12 inches wide. These miniature works of art originated from the Indiah state of Assam.
Bhojpuri Painting: These paintings date back to 1300 B.C. and have played an important role influencing art. They are found in Uttar Pradesh.
Mexican Folk Art
Mexican Folk art is very distinct and can easily be identified as Mexican. The many types of art found in Mexico are a reflection of the country’s indigenous cultures.
Alebrije folk art: This form of art is among the most well-known Mexican folk arts. This includes traditional wood carving crafts, wooden sculptures, and paper mache. These carvings often future fantastical, brightly colored creatures, and they can be found on the streets of Oaxaca.
Huichol folk art: This type of article is created by native Huichol people. They design heavy and complex pieces of jewelry made from thousands of brightly colored beads.
State of Mexico folk art: This type of art often depicts stories from the Bible and other tales in the form of colorful and elaborately decorated items.
Famous Folk Art Paintings
Here is a list of just a few of the most popular and well-known folk art paintings.
“Josiah Dean III and his wife Sarah Dean of Raynham, Massachusetts,” by Rufus Hathaway (oil on canvas)
“Witches Tearoom,” by Vestie Davis (oil on canvas board)
“Portrait of Lydia Luana” by Ruth Henshaw Bascom (pastel on paper)
“The Lincoln Children” by Susan Waters
“The Westwood Children” by Joshua Johnson
Well-Known Folk Artists Throughout History
Traditional folk art is often created by artists that have no formal training. Read on to learn more about a few popular folk artists throughout history.
Ruth Henshaw Bascom: In the late 18th century, Bascom lived in rural Massachusetts. She was a teacher who made portraits of friends and relatives in her spare time. These portraits were life size and made of pastel on paper. Her personal diaries indicate that she created over 1,400 portraits, but only 200 have been found and identified. She often gave her portraits as gifts. You can view some of her work in the American Folk Art Museum and the Worcester Art Museum.
Charlie Willeto: Charlie was the first Navajo artist known to create sculptures, primarily of animals. He started carving in the 1960s, which was only a few years before his death. He used his works to barter for food.
Elito Villaflor Circa: This Filipino painter is known for using human hair and bodily fluids in his paintings. He had no formal training; rather, he began drawing using charcoal from the kitchen stove at the age of eight. His works often incorporate Philippine mythology. His use of blood in his work is intended to symbolize life, love, and sacrifice.
Consuelo Gonzalez Amezcua: Born in Mexico, Amezcua immigrated to the United States in 1913. She created complex pen and ink drawings that include repetitive patterns of fine lines. She would use her art to showcase her interest in historical figures. She also was inspired by Mexican filigree jewelry. You can find examples of her work in the Smithsonian Museum of American Art’s collection.
Techniques & Processes used in Folk Art
Folk art can utilize a wide range of media. This includes wood, cloth, paper, clay, and metal. Often traditional materials such as paint are inaccessible for the artist and other mediums are used instead. This gives folk art a very unique appearance.
If you have a collection of any kind of art, you might want to consider art insurance. Insurance offers you peace of mind knowing that your precious collection is protected from the unexpected.
FAQs
What are the characteristics of folk art?
Folk art is designed primarily by artists that lack formal training. Its primary purpose is to be a reflection of its culture. Traditional rules of art, such as perspective and proportion, are often overlooked.
What is the difference between a fine artist and a folk artist?
A fine artist creates art that is primarily for the purpose of being aesthetically pleasing. A folk artist creates unique art that goes against traditional rules and is primarily a reflection of its cultural background. They are often self-taught artists that lack formal training.
Jeff Wandler’s interest in collecting, as with many other collectors, began in childhood. He grew up with parents who were collectors. “My father collected Winchester firearms, Hudson antique automobiles, and antique furniture. He always had antiques around.” Jeff caught the bug at an early age. “I felt like I was born with a desire to collect,” he shares. “As a kid I always took care of my toys, and as I got older, I started displaying model cars on shelves in my bedroom. My mom always told people to go check out my museum in my bedroom.”
As Jeff got older, he would dig through local dumps for things like bottles and coffee tins to display. By the time he was about 30 years old, he developed an interest in collecting petroliana – items that are related to gas stations. His first purchase for the collection was a visible gas pump that he restored.
Today, the collection includes old signage, globes, gas pumps, and more. There are also a lot of neon signs, such as store signs, café signs, gas signs, and oil signs. The neon signage was all salvaged from actual hotels and stores. Over 25 years of collecting, Jeff amassed so much that he ended up doing a large-scale museum of everything he had collected. “It became an avenue to keep me occupied!” explains Jeff.
While Jeff used to think of himself as a bit of a hoarder, he’s come to accept the fact that he is a collector. Says Jeff, “I remember reading an article about hoarding vs collecting. Collectors take care of their stuff and display it, while hoarders just accumulate. I always kept all my stuff very nice. I started to budget for it.” Jeff is also quite fortunate to have a wife that is also interested in collecting. “It’s a strong part of our marriage – we do it together and we both love doing it!” Jeff also notes that he tends to spend a bit more on collecting than his wife, but she doesn’t seem to mind!
A favorite item in the collection is a 1949 Hudson convertible that once belonged to Jeff’s dad. “He drove that home when I was ten years old, and we helped him tear it down to the frame. He spent 25 years restoring that car. It’s a family favorite that reminds us of him.”
Jeff acquired his collection for around $2 and $2.5 million, but he estimates that the value has gone way up since then. He has thousands of items in the collection. There are around 500 oil cans, 25 cars, 100 gas pumps, and 800 signs. There are also 200 Winchester guns from his father’s collection.
Jeff calls his museum of collectible items the Frontier Auto Museum, and the museum is located in Gillette, Wyoming. There is 15,000 square feet of museum space, and Jeff’s daughter runs a 5,000 square foot space where she deals antiques. “It’s like walking through 100 years of time!” explains Jeff. The museum is built like a town full of stores, and all items are on display as they would have originally been displayed. The museum is focused mainly on the 20s and 60s, but the entire industrial age is represented, from 1900 on. The museum makes visitors very emotional at times. Everything is authentic, and there is a great variety presented.
The United States is home to some of the most unique and exciting art galleries in the world! In this country you can find modern art, renaissance art, and everything in between! The art museums feature both incredible, all-encompassing exhibits and stunning architecture.
Read on to discover the variety of galleries that can be found in the United States – and learn a bit more about each of them!
National Gallery of Art – Washington, D.C.
This gallery is near the capitol building in Washington D.C., and it’s a popular art destination. There are two buildings: the East Building has a modern design and houses many modern works. The West Building is inspired by the Roman Pantheon and houses older works, such as those by Claude Monet.
This museum focuses on American and European art and includes photos, sculptures, paintings, and prints. Big names featured in this gallery include Johannes Vermeer, Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, Rembrandt, Roy Lichtenstein, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, and Pablo Picasso.
The Frick Collection – New York City, N.Y.
Henry Clay Frick had a private collection filled with European paintings. Today, this collection includes major Renaissance works as well as many eighteenth- and nineteenth-century French paintings. This collection is housed in a historic mansion once lived in by Frick himself.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art – San Francisco, CA
This modern museum is situated among some other prestigious art museums. This 17,000 square foot museum was first opened in the 1960s and features videos, photos, paintings, sculptures, and light and neon installations. It includes a collection of post-1960 German art, pop art by Andy Warhol, and painted panels by Mehretu.
Austin Museum of Digital Art – Austin, TX
This hub featuring digital artwork can’t be visited in person – it’s only accessible online. Catch one of their digital showcases for a chance to enjoy live electronic music, graphics, music videos, and more.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – Boston, MA
If your name is Isabella, you can visit this museum for free! They feature works by Degas, Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and more. The museum also plays host to concerts, lectures, and other exciting events.
Seattle Art Museum – Seattle, WA
This museum consists of 25,000 works spread across three locations. The eclectic collection features works by Native American artists and an African art collection. The first Thursday of every month you can get free admission.
Museum of Computer Art
This incredible digital museum was established in 1993. Virtually, you can view everything from 3-D rendered art, to animation, to enhanced photography. They accept submissions from digital artists.
Adobe Museum of Digital Media – the Internet
Another popular digital museum, they present digital works of art from some of the most talented digital artists out there. They offer a range of interesting digital exhibits.
Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art – New York City, NY
Comics and cartoons steal the spotlight in this unique museum! They feature a variety of popular comic characters, such as Batman, and they have a very affordable admission rate.
Booth Western Art Museum – Cartersville, GA
This museum is dedicated to Western Art of the 20th and 21st century. They feature contemporary Western Art, as well as signed presidential letters from each president.
New York Museum of Modern Art – New York City, NY
This museum is one of the best when it comes to contemporary art. Their collection includes Starry Night by Van Gogh, Water Lilies by Monet, and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Picasso. There’s also Campbell’s Soup Cans by Warhol and The Persistence of Memory by Dali. This museum is also full of fashion, film, and photography.
The Andy Warhol Museum – Pittsburgh, PA
As the name suggests, this is an entire museum dedicated to the pop art of Andy Warhol, who is originally from Pittsburgh. Here you’ll find photographs, films, sculptures, and sketches that are either by or about Warhol.
Pulitzer Arts Foundation – St. Louis, MO
The Pulitzer Arts Foundation is as known for its stunning architecture by Tadao Ando as it is for the art housed inside. The foundation directors prefer not to refer to this as a museum, which is why it is titled this way.
Shelburne Museum – Shelburne, VT
This lesser known museum houses some of the most unique art around. This includes folk art, patterned quilts, impressionist paintings, and toy dolls. This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an experience that is a little different from your typical museum.
Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, IL
This museum is associated with the school of the same name. It houses a collection of beautiful impressionist and post-impressionist art. It’s one of the largest art museums in the country, and it’s home to water-lily paintings from Monet, works by Renoir, and furniture by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Museum of Fine Arts Boston – Boston, MA
This older art museum is among the best in the country, housing over 50,000 works of art. This includes Korean art, Egyptian artifacts, and a huge John Singer Sargent collection. You can find works by various indigenous cultures in North, Central, and South America, as well as contemporary American artists such as Joan Mitchell, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O’Keefe. The Art of the Americas exhibit is quite popular and beloved.
Nelson-Atkins Museum – Kansas City, MO
This free museum houses over 30,000 art pieces and features stunning architecture. They have a Shuttlecocks installation, and a collection of American Indian Art.
Philadelphia Museum of Art – Philadelphia, PA
The most famous feature of this museum are its front steps, which are known for their appearance in the Rocky film franchise. The steps now feature a statue of Rocky Balboa. A wide variety of art is featured at this museum, including works by Van Gogh and Thomas Eakins.
Whitney Museum of American Art – New York City, NY
This building features a futuristic architecture style by Renzo Piano. The building is home to over 23,000 pieces of art, including works by Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, Jean-Michel Basquait, and Alexander Calder.
Los Angeles Center for Digital Art – Los Angeles, CA
These art museum is known for being one of the first to feature digital art. This museum features so much art that they recently had to move into a larger building.
The J. Paul Getty Museum – Los Angeles, CA
This art museum features two separate locations. The two buildings are the Getty Center, located in Brentwood, and the Getty Villa, located in Pacific Palisades. The Getty Center features Western art that goes back to the Middle Ages, while the Getty Villa hosts art from ancient Greece and Rome.
Brooklyn Museum – New York City, NY
One of the oldest art museums in the United States, this museum contains 1.5 million works, making it nearly impossible to see the entire thing. The art spans many cultures and time periods, and is organized well so that visitors can enjoy the various exhibits.
National Museum of African Art – Washington, D.C.
This small museum located near the National Gallery of Art in D.C. features art that offers a glimpse of many African cultures.
Detroit Institute of the Arts – Detroit, MI
Known as the “temple of art,” this museum features works from nearly every era and from all over the world. It features 100 galleries, a lecture hall, an auditorium, a conversation lab, and a reference library.
Cleveland Museum of Art – Cleveland, OH
This free museum is renown for its collection of Egyptian art and Asian art that spans many mediums. They often plan a variety of events, programs, and festivals for the public to enjoy.
The Field Museum – Chicago, IL
Rather than being an art museum, The Field Museum is considered more of a history museum. It was originally created to house biological and anthropological collections from a single expedition. Here you’ll find the Grainger Hall of Gems, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and a planetary exhibition.
Morris Museum of Art – Augusta, GA
The Morris Museum is one of the first collections of art from the American South. It is a small museum, but its collection is one of the best of its kind. Art ranges from the Civil War period to modern works. Featured works include The Infantryman by William Gaul, Southern Landscape by Benny Andrews, and Hoover and the Flood by John Steuart Curry.
Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design – Providence, RI
This highly-regarded museum is connected to a school of the same name. They are dedicated to helping visitors understand the cultures highlighted in their collection. The school and museum often host concerts, lectures, and community programs for those interested.
Miami Museum of Contemporary Art – Miami, FL
Opened in 1996, this museum features a wide variety of contemporary art. The museum hosts a variety of events that are appealing to young people, such as battles of the bands, jazz concerts, and lectures.
The Mingei International Museum – San Diego, CA
Located in a beautiful park, this museum boasts six galleries which feature a variety of art from all over the world. Their works include paintings, pottery, sculptures, and multimedia art.
Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York City, NY
Located by Central Park, the Met is the largest museum in the country. A wide variety of art is featured, with sections that include the American Wing, Egyptian Art, Greek and Roman Art, Medieval Art, Arms and Armor, Arts of Africa, Oceana, the Americas, Modern and Contemporary Art, European paintings and sculptures, Asian art, photography, drawings and prints, and musical instruments.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art – Los Angeles, CA
Also known as LACMA, this museum is comprised of many buildings. They are known for Islamic artifacts, modern artworks, European impressionist paintings, Korean art, Japanese art, Greek art, Mexican art, fashion, design, and jewelry.
Getty Center – Los Angeles, CA
This art museum features stunning views of Los Angeles from the Santa Monica mountains. Inside you’ll find a wide variety of art, including historic manuscripts, Renaissance paintings, Etruscan statues, Baroque sculptures, American photography, and more.
Smithsonian American Art Museum – Washington, D.C.
This art museum boasts one of the largest collections in the country, featuring the works of over 7,000 artists. Here you’ll find New Deal art, Gilded Age works, American impressionist paintings, contemporary crafts, modern folk art, African American art, Latino art, realist art, western expansion art, and photography.
Walker Art Center – Minneapolis, MN
This art museum hosts a collection of modern and contemporary pieces created by both European and American artists. You’ll discover photographs, paintings, and sculptures. The Walker Art Center also houses Hahn/Cock, one of two blue cockerels created by German artist Katerina Fritsch.
High Museum of Art – Atlanta, GA
A group of buildings comprise this art museum, which hosts a collection of American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Here you’ll find artists like John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Harriet Hosmer, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Frederick Kensett, John Singleton Copley, Edmonia Lewis, and more.
Milwaukee Art Museum – Milwaukee, WI
This art museum features three buildings whose architecture is breathtaking. Over 30,000 works are on display by artists such as Joan Miro, Gustave Caillebotte, and Claude Monet, a vast pottery collection, and numerous galleries of Folk and Outsider American Art. You’ll also find a sizable collection of art by Georgia O’Keefe.
Baltimore Museum of Art – Baltimore, MD
This art museum plays host to over 95,000 works of art. They have a huge collection of pieces by Andy Warhol, as well as works by Matisse, Cezanne, and Picasso. They have a great collection of Asian art, African art, and European sculptures.
Denver Art Museum – Denver, CO
The Denver Art Museum takes up two separate facilities. The art displayed covers a huge timespan, from the pre-Columbian days to more contemporary art. You’ll find artwork by Winslow Homer and Vincent Van Gogh. You’ll also find textile art, African art, fashion, and more.
The Museum of Fine Arts – Houston, TX
This art museum is comprised of a pair of buildings and features a beautiful sculpture garden, and over 64,000 works of art on display. The museum features contemporary art, photography, mobiles, and mixed media.
Art Collection Insurance
Are you interested in developing a personal art collection? Be sure to give yourself peace of mind by getting the best art collection insurance.
FAQs
What city in the US has the best art museums?
You can find beautiful art museums all across the country, in cities that include Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Denver, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and more.
What’s the biggest art museum in the US?
The largest art museum in the country is the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
What is the most prestigious art gallery in the world?
The Louvre, located in Paris, France, is widely considered the most prestigious art gallery in the world.
Collecting artwork, such as oil paintings, sculptures, and other types of fine art, can be a wonderful pastime. If you love art, it can be a great hobby to surround yourself with things that you find beautiful. If you have an art collection, you may already realize that it’s important to take proper care of your artwork – whether you are hanging it, storing it, or transporting it to a new location.
Fortunately, we’ve created a guide to protecting your artwork in a variety of circumstances. Read on for our best tips on caring for your precious art!
Basic Artwork Care & Maintenance
If you have a fine art collection, it’s important that you care for, store, and display it properly. Damage can be caused by touching your work without gloves, hanging your art incorrectly, or any extremes in temperature. Read on for tips on how to properly care for your artwork to keep it in tip top condition!
Use white gloves while handling art
Even if your hands appear clean, you probably have oils on your hands that could potentially get on the painting and cause damage. It’s a best practice to wear a pair of lightweight gloves when handling artwork.
Move artwork correctly
When moving artwork to a new location, be sure to carry both sides of the frame so that the weight is evenly distributed. Always lean a canvas against a flat surface, as anything else might cause stretching.
Hang art properly
When hanging fine art, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the artwork, as well as the sturdiness of the wall itself. You’ll want to make sure that the wall is strong enough to hold the art.
The best setup is to mount two eye hooks on a frame and connect them with a sturdy wire. This will allow you to straighten the painting once hanging on the wall, without having to worry about perfectly placing the nail or screw. Heavier works should be mounted into the studs of the wall, with multiple anchor points for extra support.
It’s also important to hang artwork out of the reach of children and pets.
Temperature and Humidity
For its protection, keep artwork away from any extremes in temperature. The temperature is recommended to stay between 69 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extremes in temperature, as well as moisture and humidity, can cause damage.
Keep your artwork away from direct sunlight, and even from some higher wattage ceiling lights, as this can cause damage and fading. Keep your work away from any cooling or heating units.
Cleaning Art Collection
It’s important that you regularly clean your collection of art – and it’s especially important that you clean it properly! Cleaning the wrong way can cause permanent damage to the art. Read on for tips on how to properly clean your works of art to maintain them for years to come.
Dust regularly
Paintings should be lightly dusted a few times annually. Take the painting off the wall before dusting and lean it against the wall – this will ensure that the painting doesn’t fall while you are dusting.
Use a dry cloth or a clean and soft painter’s brush to dust your paintings. Avoid using feather dusters. While dusting, check the work for signs of deterioration. If you see signs of flaking or chipping paint, don’t dust the artwork. As an extra precaution, be sure to wear gloves while you are dusting the work. You don’t want any oil or dirt from your hands to cause damage.
Check for dampness
Artwork done on paper is most likely to become damp. If the work is made of canvas, the signs of dampness will show up first on the back of the canvas. You may find discoloration or brown marks. You can have the art professionally restored to make it last.
Never use chemicals
Many cleaning products are abrasive, and even water can cause damage to your fine art. Stick to cleaning using a soft brush. If the painting is expensive or you’re trying to avoid damage, think about having it cleaned professionally.
Storage of Paintings and Other Artworks
If you are packing your artwork to be placed in a storage space, you’ll want to wrap and store it carefully to avoid any damage during storage. Bubble wrap is a great tool to use, as it keeps the art clean and also prevents damage. Store your bubble wrapped art pieces in well-fitted boxes. If the box is too large, consider cutting it down to size – you don’t want there to be too much extra space for the painting to move around.
For framed pieces, wrap them in bubble wrap and seal them with packing tape. Pad the front and back of the art with cardboard for extra protection. For unframed pieces, you may want to use a sheet of silicone release paper to cover the canvas before sealing it with packing tape (be sure that the tape doesn’t touch the canvas). Wrap this in bubble wrap and use hardboard to cover the front and back of the canvas.
Finally, don’t forget to consider where you store your paintings. Avoid putting them in places that are damp or that could become damp (such as a basement area). Be sure to keep them in the proper temperature range. You may want to consider a climate controlled storage unit if you have a large quantity of art that you are storing.
The Right Way to Pack Paintings for Shipping
If you are preparing to ship your paintings, it’s important that you pack them properly! Here are some tips for how to do this to avoid causing any damage.
Minimize human contact: You’ll want to start by minimizing human contact with the painting in all settings, including inside your home, in storage, or inside of the moving truck. This can be done by creating a barrier between you and the painting while packing it.
Wrap in plastic: Use a solid sheet of durable plastic to wrap up your paintings. This will help keep them clean and protect them while moving them.
Seal with styrofoam: Pack your carefully wrapped painting in a custom-sized styrofoam box to keep it safe. This will prevent the artwork from moving around during the move, and will help prevent damage.
Place the painting in a tight-fitting cardboard box: After sealing with styrofoam, place the painting in a snug-fitting cardboard box. Find a box that is the perfect size to store your painting. If you can’t find one in the correct size, cut a larger box down to size with a box cutter.
Pack with dense packing material: Fill up any empty space in the box with a dense packing material, such as packing peanuts. This will keep the painting from moving around while it’s being transported. Once everything fits snugly, seal the entire box shut with packing tape.
Safe Transport of Paintings and Artworks
Once you’ve packed your artwork appropriately, it’s time for it to be sent to its new location. Here are some tips for ensuring that it arrives safely.
Be careful when driving: If you are driving the painting yourself, be sure to practice safe driving. Take turns slowly and don’t stop suddenly. You don’t want your painting shifting around before it arrives at its final destination.
Select a reliable carrier: If you are using a professional shipping company, such as FedEx, UPS, or USPS, be sure to select a reliable carrier. You can check their pricing online to compare their rates and find out what you will need to pay for shipping.
Pack the painting vertically: Make sure that your painting is upright during transport. If it lies flat, something could fall onto the painting and cause damage.
Cushion your artwork with other objects: Use other objects, such as a blanket or a pillow, to cushion the work and prevent it from sliding around.
Get insurance: The truth is, there’s no way to control every factor when it comes to shipping your painting – especially if you are trusting another service for the shipping. Fortunately, you can purchase insurance for your art pieces to ensure that you are covered in the event of an accident.
Protect Your Art Investment
Read on for tips on how to project your art investment.
Keep the Bill of Sale
When purchasing artwork, you should always receive a bill of sale. Keep this bill and store it away for your records.
Ensure the Type of Artwork is stated in the Letter of Authenticity
It’s also important that you receive a letter of authenticity when you purchase your artwork, especially if the piece is limited edition. You should keep this letter with the bill of sale and store it away for your records.
Keep all artwork documentation
Keep the bill of sale, the letter of authenticity, and any other supporting documentation that comes with your artwork. Store this away in a safe place where you can easily access it if you need to.
Attach the artist’s information at the back of the artwork
It’s important to remember who the artist was that created the work of art. Keep information, such as their biography, the date the painting was made, and any other interesting details and attach it to the back of the artwork. This is good information for you to have, and should the artwork ever change hands, it ensures that the new owner has information about the artist.
Get Artwork Insurance
Finally, one of the most important ways you can protect your artwork is to get art insurance. This will ensure that you are protected from any unexpected events. Get an art insurance quote today to start protecting your collection now!
FAQs
How Do You Prevent Mold on Paintings in Storage?
To prevent mold on paintings in storage, keep them away from damp areas or areas that could become damp, such as a basement. Store in a dry and temperature-controlled space.
Can You Store Paintings in a Storage Unit?
You can store paintings in a storage unit, but you may want to opt for a climate-controlled storage unit. This will ensure that your art stays in the right temperature range.
How Do You Protect Art from Sunlight?
It’s important to protect your art by keeping it out of direct sunlight. Place your art away from windows – and even away from especially bright interior lighting.
For Tom Vencill, his interest in comics began in the mid-70s, when he was about 7 or 8 years old. He and a friend were very interested in toys called Micronauts, and there was a Marvel comic book series related to them. Pretty soon, his interest in comic books grew, and he started getting into other Marvel superheroes, such as X-Men, Hulk, Thor, Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and Daredevil.
Today, Tom’s collection is comprised mainly of Silver and Bronze Age Marvel comics from the 60s and 70s. He isn’t as interested in modern storylines, as he finds the older ones more appealing. “Collecting fit my personality,” shares Tom, who started collecting items such as stamps and coins from a young age. “I enjoy getting complete runs of my favorite titles and filling in the missing holes in the stories.”
Tom has complete runs of several key Marvel titles through the 60s and 70s, such as Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Daredevil. He also owns many other key issues that are popular with Marvel comics fans. His favorite comic is X-Men #1, which he obtained from a friend when he was about 9 years old. “I pestered him to no end to get that!” shares Tom. “I bought it for $60 and it’s worth about $7,000 now.”
Tom’s core collection is about 2,500 books although 125 or so of the professionally graded key issues make up about 70% of the collection value. Many of the comics that Tom has purchased have risen in their value. In 2003, he bought X-Men #4 for about $400, and today it’s going for $5,000. In 2009, he purchased Fantastic Four #1 for $1,600 and it’s now worth $15,000. In 2011, he purchased Fantastic Four #52, which contains the first appearance of the Black Panther, for $100. Today it’s selling for $2,300. “I was fortunate to get into a collecting hobby related to pop culture as the value of my collection has benefitted greatly from the superhero movies of the past 15 years.”
In addition to his Marvel superhero collection, Tom also has a subset of comics dedicated to horror stories and monsters, which interested him at a young age. This includes full runs of the Marvel titles Frankenstein, Tomb of Dracula, Man-Thing and Werewolf by Night, which were popular in the 70s after the Comics Code Authority lifted restrictions on monster themes in 1971. “Monsters always fascinated me so those fit right in!”
Tom’s collection is stored in a cedar closet in his home, with some of the most valuable books kept in a safe deposit box. Every issue is bagged and boarded and stored in comic boxes organized by title and issue number and he keeps a spreadsheet that has each issue noted with condition and estimated value.
