The Collectors: Chahan Minassian
The designer has a special affinity for sculptures by Harry Bertoia, of which he has a staggering 42 examples
When it comes to interiors, designer Chahan Minassian has achieved an unrivaled level of sophistication and creativity. While many of his projects, including glamorous apartments in cosmopolitan cities, chalets in Gstaad, and yachts bound for the Mediterranean, may never be seen by the public, those looking to experience his ingenuity can always visit the Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, in Paris or the Palazzina Fortuny on the Venetian island of Giudecca. But of his many passions and talents—which also include curating his namesake design gallery and conceiving custom Murano glass furnishings—collecting might just be his greatest accomplishment. Ravenous when it comes to acquiring art and design pieces for himself, Minassian has a special affinity for sculptures by Harry Bertoia, of which he has a staggering 42 examples, encompassing the artist’s geometric, botanical, and “Sonambient” periods.
Perfectly sited: “In my palazzo in Venice, I have a wall-mounted ‘Explosion’ sculpture, which is one of the most important realizations from the 1960s, and three extra-large ‘Sonambient’ screens, which work with the architecture of my 16th-century palazzo and act as a room divider in the vast salon overlooking the Grand Canal.”
On display: “They’re either in my house in Paris, my palazzo in Venice, or in my residence in Miami. There’s just one piece that is in storage, but I will find a place for it. They are exceptional, museum-quality pieces, but I live with almost every Bertoia I own.”
Collecting style: “I’m very sensitive and decisive. If I see something I want in an auction, I have to have it.”
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2026 Late Fall Issue in the section “The Collectors.” Subscribe to the magazine.