The Mnuchin Gallery, a prominent establishment on the Upper East Side, will officially close its doors at the end of February. This decision follows the passing of its founder, Robert Mnuchin, who was a notable figure in the art world.
For over three decades, the gallery has been a platform for exhibitions that have inspired meaningful discussions among art scholars and enthusiasts alike. In a statement released on Wednesday, the gallery expressed its gratitude for the opportunity to showcase significant art, stating, "In light of Robert Mnuchin's departure on December 20, 2025, we reflect on the gallery's journey, which was deeply rooted in Robert's unique vision and passion for art."
The final exhibition featured a captivating series of plate paintings by renowned artist Julian Schnabel, which concluded on Saturday.
Robert Mnuchin, who previously held a significant role at Goldman Sachs during the 1960s and 70s, transitioned into the art scene after retiring from finance in 1990. He initially co-founded C&M Arts with James Corcoran in 1992. Over the years, the gallery underwent several name changes while remaining at its location on 45 East 78th Street, a townhouse owned by Mnuchin and his wife, Adriana.
In 2005, he partnered with Dominique Lévy, resulting in the gallery being known as L&M Arts until 2013, when it became the Mnuchin Gallery after Lévy's departure.
As noted by ARTnews, Mnuchin once reflected on his career shift, stating that he wanted to prove his capabilities outside of the corporate structure. He mentioned, "I wanted to see what I could do on my own," which led him to establish his own gallery as no museum would consider hiring him without formal art credentials.
Initially, the gallery focused on Abstract Expressionists and post-war artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, but it later expanded its scope to include a diverse range of artists, including women artists and artists of color. In recent years, the gallery has showcased works by Lynne Drexler, Joan Mitchell, Lynda Benglis, and Mary Lovelace O'Neal.