Nanjing Museum Scandal Exposed, Artworks Diverted to Private Market

Plus, major works from Agnes Gund's collection head to Christie's auction

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Chinese authorities have concluded a sweeping investigation into a major scandal at the Nanjing Museum, uncovering decades of alleged mismanagement and corruption that allowed nationally significant artworks to be diverted into the private market. Additionally, three Modern masterpieces from the collection of legendary arts patron Agnes Gund will headline Christie's marquee week in New York this May, expected to bring in at least $123 million.

Why it matters

The Nanjing Museum scandal highlights ongoing issues of transparency and accountability in the art world, where valuable public assets can be misappropriated. Meanwhile, the sale of Gund's collection underscores the influence and impact of major art collectors on the market.

The details

The Nanjing Museum investigation uncovered a pattern of alleged mismanagement and corruption that allowed nationally significant artworks to be diverted into the private market over decades. The full scope and details of the scandal are still emerging. At the same time, three major works from the collection of Agnes Gund - a Rothko, a Twombly, and a Cornell - will be auctioned at Christie's in New York this May, with the total expected to exceed $123 million.

  • The Nanjing Museum scandal investigation concluded in 2026.
  • The Christie's auction featuring Gund's collection is scheduled for May 2026.

The players

Nanjing Museum

A major art museum in China that was the subject of a sweeping investigation into alleged mismanagement and corruption.

Agnes Gund

A legendary arts patron whose collection of Modern masterpieces by Rothko, Twombly, and Cornell will be auctioned at Christie's.

Christie's

The auction house that will be hosting the sale of works from Agnes Gund's collection in May 2026.

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What’s next

The full details and implications of the Nanjing Museum scandal are still unfolding, and authorities have indicated that further investigations and reforms may be forthcoming.

The takeaway

The Nanjing Museum scandal underscores the ongoing challenges of transparency and accountability in the art world, where valuable public assets can be vulnerable to misappropriation. Meanwhile, the sale of works from Agnes Gund's collection at Christie's highlights the outsized influence of major art collectors on the global market.