# Carmelo Anthony's Second Act as Art Collector

> The NBA Hall of Famer is building a vast collection and dreams of opening a public gallery in Baltimore.
- Title: Carmelo Anthony's Second Act as Art Collector · TIME
- Summary: The NBA Hall of Famer is building a vast collection and dreams of opening a public gallery in Baltimore. Don't rush into art collecting. If a piece brings…
- Keywords: carmelo anthony, nba, basketball, art collecting, ernie barnes, nelson makamo, cryptik, new york knicks, baltimore, brooklyn, jean-michel basquiat, andy warhol
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/collection/time100-art/2026/carmelo-anthony
- Published: 2026-09-17T12:01:31.415+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: carmelo anthony, nba, basketball, art collecting, ernie barnes, nelson makamo, cryptik, new york knicks, baltimore, brooklyn, jean-michel basquiat, andy warhol
## From the court to the gallery
Carmelo Anthony scored 28,289 points in 19 NBA seasons. Now the Hall of Famer is making his mark as a serious art collector.
## Quality over quantity now
Anthony moved from his NYC apartment to a suburban house in 2022 to fit his vast collection. He's stopped counting how many pieces he owns.

> I've gotten more intentional on quality over quantity.
## Brooklyn and Baltimore roots
Anthony's taste was shaped by street graffiti and Earth, Wind & Fire album covers growing up. He knew Ernie Barnes's work before entering the NBA in 2003.

> How his artwork was implemented into the Black culture was special to see.
## The Knicks years sparked passion
After joining the Knicks in 2011, Anthony heard former players talk about collecting Basquiat and Warhol. He started visiting galleries on the road.
## Maybe he'll paint someday
In his busy post-NBA life, Anthony sees endless possibilities with art. He may try painting himself to visualize stories.

> The next step is to actually start to try to visualize stories and try it.
## A Baltimore gallery dream
Anthony wants to bring his collection to the public in Baltimore, where he moved at age 8. Much of his art connects emotionally to that city.

> Art can be intimidating. But just don't be in a rush. Take your time.
## Key takeaway

Don't rush into art collecting. If a piece brings you back after you walk away, that's when you know it's genuine.