When you first hear the name Kim Manocherian, you might think of her as just another wealthy art collector. But here’s the thing — she’s much more than that. She’s not only part of the influential Manocherian family, known for their real estate empire, but she’s also a woman who has built one of the most unique private art collections in New York City. Her journey blends business, culture, healing, and philanthropy in ways that feel both deeply personal and globally relevant.
In this guide, we’ll walk through her background, her art philosophy, her remarkable Scheherazade Collection, and even touch on her family’s legacy. If you’ve ever wondered what drives someone to dedicate their life to narrative art and to give artists a platform to tell stories, Kim’s journey will give you plenty of answers.
Who is Kim Manocherian?
Kim Manocherian is a New York–based art collector and cultural patron, best known for her Scheherazade Collection that champions women’s voices, narrative art, and social justice.
Background & Biography
Kim’s story begins with the influential Manocherian family. The family has roots in real estate, wellness, and philanthropy, and their name is tied to some of New York’s biggest property holdings through the Manocherian Brothers and Pan Am Equities. This isn’t just about wealth — it’s about generations of building, investing, and giving back.
- Her father, Fraydun Manocherian, was a well-known businessman and philanthropist who worked on public safety and wellness projects.
- Her siblings, including Greg Manocherian, Jed Manocherian, and Barbara Manocherian, are also active in both business and cultural spaces. Together, they represent a family deeply embedded in New York’s history.
Kim’s early life was shaped by this environment of ambition, creativity, and responsibility. Unlike many collectors who only enter the art world after achieving financial success, Kim’s interest in art began early. Her education and exposure to different cultures pushed her toward a more emotional connection with creativity. That background prepared her for a life where art wasn’t just decoration — it was a way to understand and share stories.
First Steps in Art Collecting
Every collector has a beginning, and for Kim, it came in the early 1990s. She bought a set of Andy Warhol’s shoe prints in 1992, which became the spark that lit her lifelong passion. She wasn’t thinking about how much those prints might be worth in the future; she was driven by an emotional response. She often describes her process as “intuitive” — she knows she’s found the right piece when her heart races, almost like falling in love.
Collecting quickly turned into more than just a hobby. For Kim, it became a form of healing and self-discovery. She once explained in an interview that collecting was her way of processing life, emotions, and identity. Instead of following market trends, she trusted her instincts. If a painting or sculpture spoke to her, she welcomed it into her home.
That’s the beauty of Kim’s journey — her art collecting strategy is deeply personal. It’s not about chasing the hottest names or flipping works for profit. It’s about creating an environment where art helps heal, provoke, and inspire.
The Scheherazade Collection
If you want to understand Kim, you need to know about her Scheherazade Collection. This is more than just a set of artworks — it’s a carefully built universe. Named after the storyteller from One Thousand and One Nights, the collection focuses on voices, narratives, and often women’s experiences.
Why “Scheherazade”?
The name came from an intimate moment with the Portuguese-British artist Paula Rego. Rego’s works often explore themes of storytelling and female empowerment, which deeply resonated with Kim. Inspired by that connection, Kim named her collection after Scheherazade — a woman who used storytelling as survival and empowerment.
Themes & Vision
The Scheherazade Collection is guided by narrative and voice. It often focuses on female artists, marginalized voices, and social justice issues. Kim isn’t afraid of art that makes viewers uncomfortable; in fact, she seeks it out. She believes that real impact comes when art forces us to think, reflect, and sometimes even question our own beliefs.
Highlights & Scale
- The collection is massive — over 600 works of contemporary art.
- It includes the largest private holding of Paula Rego’s work.
- Other artists include Alice Neel, Sarah Lucas, Chantal Joffe, Louise Bourgeois, and many more.
Curation & Display
What makes Kim stand out is how she shares her collection. She doesn’t lock her pieces away. Instead, she transforms her Manhattan terrace and home into a constantly rotating gallery. Friends, fellow collectors, and sometimes institutions get to experience her pieces in unique settings that feel personal rather than commercial.
Collector’s Philosophy & Market Role
Kim’s role in the contemporary art collection scene is defined by her philosophy. She buys based on intuition, but she also understands the importance of supporting emerging artists. Instead of chasing after already-famous names, she’s often ahead of the market, investing in voices that deserve recognition.
- Acquisition Strategy: Emotional first, financial second.
- Support for Emerging Artists: She provides visibility and validation by including them in her collection.
- Market Influence: By collecting works from women and marginalized voices, she subtly pushes the market to value these perspectives.
On top of that, Kim lends her works to museums and exhibitions. This not only validates her collection but also ensures that broader audiences can experience the power of her chosen pieces. In a way, she’s shaping art history by deciding what deserves to be remembered.
Net Worth, Wealth & Family Assets
Now let’s talk about the financial side. Naturally, people are curious about Kim Manocherian net worth. While exact figures aren’t publicly available, her wealth is tied to two sources: the family’s real estate empire and her valuable art holdings.
Manocherian Family Net Worth
The Manocherian family net worth is significant, thanks to decades of real estate investments through Manocherian Brothers and Pan Am Equities. Properties across Manhattan, including luxury rentals and commercial spaces, make up the bulk of the family’s wealth.
Personal Wealth & Art
Kim’s collection itself is worth millions. With artists like Paula Rego, whose works are highly valued in the market, her holdings add significant cultural and financial weight. Unlike traditional investments, art also serves as a long-term legacy, something that can be passed down and shared across generations.
Family Connections
- Greg and Kim Manocherian: Greg has his own reputation as a philanthropist and businessman, often connected with wellness and health initiatives.
- Jed Manocherian: His net worth is often discussed in media, along with his wife’s role in social and philanthropic circles.
- Barbara Manocherian: Known for cultural and family leadership roles.
Together, they represent not just wealth but influence in real estate, art, and philanthropy.
Personal Insights & Stories
What makes Kim so engaging isn’t just her art, it’s how she talks about it. She often describes the feeling of her heart “palpitating” when she finds the right piece. That emotional honesty is rare in the art world, which is often focused on money.
She also shares advice for new collectors:
- Don’t buy for trends.
- Trust your instincts.
- Let art be something that speaks to you, even if nobody else understands it.
One of her most memorable stories is sitting for Paula Rego, who painted her in a way that captured more than just her face — it captured her essence. Another is how she keeps controversial works in her home, challenging guests to think and engage in conversation. These stories show that for Kim, art isn’t static; it’s alive and interactive.
Contact & Public Presence
You might be wondering about Kim Manocherian contact details. While she isn’t overly public on social media, she does appear in major art publications like Cultured, Artnet, and The Art Collector. Her presence is more private, shared through interviews and curated events rather than daily posts.
Looking ahead, Kim’s focus seems to be on growing the Scheherazade Collection and ensuring it has a lasting legacy. Some speculate she may eventually donate parts of it to institutions or establish a foundation to preserve her vision.
Comparison Table
Here’s a simple table contrasting Kim Manocherian’s collection style vs traditional collectors:
| Aspect | Kim Manocherian’s Approach | Traditional Collectors’ Approach |
| Philosophy | Intuition & storytelling focus | Market value & investment return |
| Key Themes | Women’s voices, social justice, narrative art | Prestige, famous names, safe investments |
| Collection Size | 600+ works (Scheherazade Collection) | Varies, often smaller & more focused |
| Artists Supported | Paula Rego, Alice Neel, Sarah Lucas, Louise Bourgeois | Blue-chip artists like Picasso, Warhol |
| Public Engagement | Home exhibitions, museum loans | Limited public access, private displays |
Bullet List – What Makes Her Unique
- Focuses on female art patrons and underrepresented artists.
- Collects based on intuition, not just financial gain.
- Builds one of the largest private art collections in NYC.
- Uses art as healing and storytelling, not just decoration.
- Strong ties to the Manocherian family net worth and real estate legacy.
FAQs
Who is the richest art dealer?
Larry Gagosian is widely considered the richest art dealer, with an estimated net worth exceeding $1 billion.
What artist prints are worth money?
Prints by Picasso, Warhol, Hockney, Banksy, and Paula Rego often fetch high values at auctions, depending on rarity and demand.
Who was the artist who destroyed all his belongings?
Michael Landy, a British artist, famously destroyed all his possessions in a 2001 performance piece called Break Down.
Who owns NY Health and Racquet Club?
The Manocherian family owned NY Health & Racquet Club before selling it to Town Sports International in 2020.
How much money does the average art dealer make?
An art dealer’s earnings vary widely, but on average they can make anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 annually, with top dealers making far more.
Who is the most powerful art dealer in the world?
Larry Gagosian is considered the most powerful art dealer globally, with galleries across major cities.
Who is the largest art dealer in the world?
Gagosian Gallery is often recognized as the largest dealer, representing many top contemporary artists.
Is Leo the art dealer really rich?
If you mean Leonardo DiCaprio, he’s an actor who collects art, but not a dealer. Actual top dealers like Gagosian are far wealthier.
Who is the greatest art dealer of all time?
Joseph Duveen, known as “Lord Duveen,” is considered the greatest art dealer in history, shaping collections of wealthy Americans in the early 20th century.
Where do rich people buy their art?
Wealthy collectors often buy from elite galleries (Gagosian, Pace, Hauser & Wirth), auction houses (Christie’s, Sotheby’s), and private art advisors.
Conclusion
So, who is Kim Manocherian? She’s not just another name in the art world. She’s a collector who sees art as healing, storytelling, and empowerment. She’s part of the Manocherian family, with roots in real estate and philanthropy, but she has carved out her own path through culture.
The best part is, her journey shows us that art doesn’t have to be about money or status. It can be about connection, identity, and giving a voice to those who need it most. Whether you’re curious about kim manocherian art, her family’s influence, or simply want inspiration for your own collecting journey, her story is a reminder: art is alive when it speaks to us, and it’s powerful when it tells a story.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. While we’ve made every effort to ensure accuracy, details such as net worth figures and personal insights are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most recent updates. This content should not be considered financial or investment advice.
Hi, I’m Bilal, the founder of outofmagazine.com. I love sharing fresh ideas, stories, and helpful insights on all kinds of topics that spark curiosity. My goal with this site is simple—to create a space where readers can find inspiration, useful tips, and engaging reads on lifestyle, trends, and everything in between.
