What Is the Best Age to Begin an Art Collection?

It’s a tricky question to pin down. Honestly, there’s no magic age—it’s not about when you start, but if you can. And that boils down to one thing: money.

My First Find: A Lucky Break

Take my story. A few years ago, at 22, I kicked off my collection with a random thrift store find. Tucked in the back was this beat-up painting—old as dirt, but cool. It was a real deal: a nude woman sprawled on a blue couch, nothing flashy, just authentic. I snagged it for $150. A quick dig online revealed it was by a Chicago artist from the 1920s with some buzz—her only other sale in a decade hit $2,000! I got lucky, no doubt. Most don’t stumble into that kind of steal.

The Real Answer: Cash, Not Candles

That thrift store score isn’t the norm. The best “age” to start collecting isn’t about your birth year—it’s about your bank account. If you’re settled in your career with disposable income, you’re golden. Age 25 or 55, it doesn’t matter. The question isn’t “Am I old enough?”—it’s “Can I afford it?” When you’ve got the funds to play, that’s your green light.

Start Where You Stand

You don’t need a fortune to begin—just enough to take a swing. My $150 painting proves you can start small and still strike gold if you’re savvy. So, forget the calendar. Got some cash and a curious eye? That’s your cue.