Early Life and Founding of Pace Gallery

Arne Glimcher’s deep connection with art began in his youth, nurtured by frequent visits to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. “It was all fascinating,” he recalls. “I learned about Impressionism. I learned about Egypt. I grew up at the Boston museum. I owe it everything.” His passion for art ultimately led him to donate several works to prestigious institutions, including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Morgan Library.

Following his graduation from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Glimcher aspired to emulate Alfred H. Barr Jr., a key figure in modern art history and the director of the Museum of Modern Art. However, the death of his father from cancer in 1960 prompted him to open Pace Gallery in Boston at the young age of 21, named in honor of his father, and later establishing Pace in New York City in 1963.

Personal and Family Life

In high school, Glimcher met his future wife, Milly, and they have shared 65 years of marriage, raising two sons together. Their upbringing was steeped in art, often inviting prominent artists like Lucas Samaras and Louise Nevelson to their home and ensuring that their children experienced the creative world through museum visits every weekend.

Their son, Paul, is now a neuroscientist, demonstrating the diverse paths that Glimcher’s emphasis on culture and intellectual engagement can inspire.

“If you did not say something that those artists thought was really interesting — whether we were 11 or 12 — you don’t need to come to dinner next time,” said Marc, the couple’s other son, highlighting the family’s commitment to artistic dialogue.

A Commitment to Artists

Glimcher’s approach to managing artists has garnered respect within the community. Kiki Smith, an artist associated with Pace Gallery, remarked on Glimcher’s understanding of the creative process, stating, “Regardless of what the market was doing or their momentary popularity, or non-popularity, he stuck with his artists.” This principle is a cornerstone of Glimcher’s legacy, as he prioritizes the artist’s vision and needs over market pressures.

Building Relationships in the Art World

The relationships Glimcher formed throughout his career have been pivotal in shaping his gallery’s presence in the art world. In the 1980s, Hollywood mogul Michael Ovitz sought advice from Glimcher on art collecting, establishing a friendship that remains strong today. “I started talking to him almost every single day and still do,” Ovitz noted, exemplifying the trust and camaraderie that Glimcher cultivates within the art community.

Conclusion

Arne Glimcher’s lifelong dedication to fostering connections between artists and their audience, alongside his personal commitment to art as a way of life, underscores his significant impact on the art world. His journey from a museum-loving youth to the founder of Pace Gallery serves as a testament to the power of art in shaping lives and communities.