By Daudi Karungi
Gallerist, Collector, and Advisor on Contemporary African Art

During my recent visit to Mexico, one of the most striking experiences was exploring Museo Soumaya, an architectural marvel founded by Carlos Slim, Mexico’s richest man and once the world’s wealthiest. At 85 years old, Slim has not only built a vast business empire but has also cemented his cultural legacy through an extraordinary art collection—housed in a museum dedicated to his late wife, Soumaya, who passed away in the 1990s.

Designed by his son-in-law, the museum is itself a masterpiece—an ultramodern, sculptural building that holds over 66,000 works, spanning European Old Masters, Mexican art, and even historical technological artifacts such as early pianos and telephones. Most remarkably, Slim owns the largest collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures outside France. The museum, which offers free entry to all visitors, is a profound statement about the role of art in public life.

Collecting as a Historical Responsibility

Walking through the galleries, I found myself reflecting on what it truly means to collect art. As African collectors, our role extends beyond acquiring beautiful objects for personal pleasure; we are also custodians of history. Slim’s collection includes works from Salvador Dalí to classical painters, some dating back half a millennium. His dedication to collecting, even in his later years, underscores a crucial truth: a collection is more than the sum of its parts—it is a historical footprint, a curated memory of an era, a place, and a vision.

One of the most compelling aspects of Slim’s approach is his acquisition of multiple interpretations of key historical and religious events by different artists. His collection includes various depictions of the Last Supper, Crucifixion, and Tower of Babel, each offering unique perspectives. This multiplicity challenges single narratives—such as the widespread belief that Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is the definitive version of the scene. Seeing these variations serves as a reminder that history and culture are fluid, shaped by diverse artistic interpretations across time and geography.

The Impact of Public Art Institutions

Slim’s Museo Soumaya stands as a testament to the transformative power of collecting. It demonstrates that art ownership is not just a private endeavor—it can be an act of cultural preservation, ensuring that creative expressions remain accessible for generations to come. Despite his vast fortune, estimated at $80 billion, what stands out is not just his wealth but the fact that he has dedicated a portion of it—$700 million worth of art—to a public institution that educates, inspires, and immortalizes his legacy, as well as that of his late wife.

Lessons for African Collectors

This model offers valuable lessons for Africa, where many high-net-worth individuals may not have considered collecting art as part of their legacy. Building an art collection in a country with a developing art ecosystem begins with individuals who have the means acquiring works they love. As people advance in life, they often turn to cultural pursuits—art, history, and memory—which play a fundamental role in shaping identity and heritage.

Art as a Cultural Archive

Art serves as a visual record of its time, capturing the ideas, emotions, and societal shifts of its era. By investing in art, collectors not only engage with creativity but also safeguard cultural narratives for the future. Over time, personal collections can grow into significant archives of knowledge, ensuring that future generations have a foundation to understand their heritage and direction.

For us in Africa, this is a compelling example of what collecting can achieve. Whether we choose to pass down artworks through generations or establish institutions that endure beyond our lifetimes, the key takeaway is that collecting should be a continuous practice, not limited by numbers or space. Every acquisition today contributes to the cultural landscape of tomorrow.

Museo Soumaya is a powerful reminder that art is more than a possession—it is history, memory, and ultimately, a gift to the future.