You guys, the Lauder family is really rich. Just how rich, you ask? Well, Leonard Lauder, the makeup tycoon and notorious philanthropist, just donated his haul of 78 (count 'em, 78!) paintings, drawings, and sculptures to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The collection, which includes a stunning 33 Picassos, is valued at over $1 billion. Lauder has long been known as one of New York's premiere art collectors, and this particular treasure trove of works is said to be among the world's greatest.
To our untrained eye, The Met is chock full of breathtaking pieces from every era, but experts widely agree that this gift fills a recognizable hole in the collection — and puts The Met at the forefront for early 20th century art. The works will be housed in the soon to be renovated modern and contemporary galleries, but you'll have to wait until next year to see them in person. Until then, we'll practice hanging out on the Met steps, sipping our coffee like true Upper East Siders. (The New York Times)
Photo: Via The New York Times