From Preservation to Commercialization: The Interrelationship Between Museums/Art Galleries and the Global Art Market

Abstract

This article examines the evolving relationship between museums and the global art market. Historically, museums functioned as cultural repositories focused on education, scholarship, and the preservation of heritage. However, globalization, digital transformation, and the financialization of art have intensified interaction between museums and the commercial art market. Museums increasingly influence market value through acquisitions, exhibitions, and curatorial authority, while the art market provides museums with access to emerging artists, sponsorship, and financial sustainability. This paper analyzes the dynamics of these interactions, evaluates ethical concerns, and discusses strategies for balancing cultural responsibility with economic pressures. Ultimately, the article argues that sustainable collaboration, transparency, and public accountability are essential to ensure that cultural value is prioritized over profit.