Collecting in Italy is experiencing a phase of transformation, driven by technological innovations, renewed interest in vintage, and a growing protagonism of new players. Here are the key trends that have emerged from the most recent research.
Digital Collecting and NFT
The digital revolution is redefining the sector, with NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens). These unique tokens, based on blockchain, allow for the ownership and exchange of exclusive digital items, such as iconic characters, artworks, or cinematic memorabilia. Platforms like OpenSea and SuperRare record high valuations, especially for content related to the nostalgia of the Eighties and Nineties.
According to a Hiscox research (2024), 40% of art collectors in Italy and beyond expect an increase in investments in works created with artificial intelligence, while maintaining a clear distinction between human and algorithmic art.
Return to vintage and pop culture
Alongside digital, there is a strong call to the past, with collections that include original action figures, comics, vinyl records, and pop culture items from the ’80s-’90s. AGI reports that in 2023 60% of Italians showed interest in collecting, with an average online expenditure of 902 euros and an estimated increase of 20% in 2024.
The young people (18-24 years old) prefer trading card e action figure, while adults opt for vintage items and those over 45 for stamps, films, and DVDs.
Profile of the Italian collector
The market is diversifying:
- Gender: While remaining predominantly male, the female presence is growing, with a 30% of collectors.
- Age: The average age is 55 years, but abroad, those under 40 dominate the market, often with a more economically oriented approach.
- Values: 29% of the collections have a value less than 100,000 euros, 39% between 100,000 and one million, and 18% exceed one million.
- Geography: Concentrated in the North (Lombardia and Piemonte), but spread across 582 locations, with Milano, Torino, and Roma as main hubs.
Collecting in Italy as a couple and philanthropy
Two significant phenomena emerge:
- Shared collecting: Couples who purchase together or develop parallel collections, with an increase of 8.4% in patrons and 10.5% in founders of private museums over the last four years.
- Investment and passion: 70% of collectors dedicate at least two hours a week to their hobby, often financing new purchases through the revaluation of items.
Art and design market in Italy
Arte Fiera Bologna 2025 reflects these dynamics, with works ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 euros, ideal for occasional and expert investors.
The Prospettiva section has dedicated space to emerging artists such as Juri Bizzotto and Clarissa Baldassarri, with works starting from 2,000 euros. Intesa Sanpaolo, in its 2024 report, highlights design as a growing sector, with performances that make it attractive for collectors.
Perspectives and challenges of art collecting
The year 2025 could register new records in the high segment, especially in football, thanks to Saudi investments post-World Cup. However, there are persistent issues: the need to clearly distinguish between human and algorithmic art, and the limitations in the circulation of works bound by the State.
In summary, Italian collecting is confirmed as a fertile ground, where tradition and innovation coexist, driven by a multigenerational passion and a market in continuous evolution.
