Bernard Arnault acquires Casa degli Atellani and Leonardo's vineyard in Milan

Bernard Arnault, the world's richest man with a net worth of €169.8 billion according to Forbes, has purchased Casa degli Atellani in Milan, including the historic vineyard of Leonardo da Vinci. The 15th-century residence on Corso Magenta was restored in 1919 by Piero Portaluppi for Ettore Conti and again after WWII bombings. In recent years, it operated as a museum and vacation rentals. The vineyard, donated by Ludovico il Moro to Leonardo in 1498 while he painted The Last Supper, became publicly accessible after Expo 2015. Arnault, chairman of LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Bulgari, Dior), is a renowned art collector and philanthropist who spearheaded the Fondation Louis Vuitton (designed by Frank Gehry, opened 2014) and donated €200 million for Notre-Dame restoration. His private collection has been listed in ARTnews' top 200 collectors since 2006. In October 2022, rumors of LVMH acquiring Gagosian Gallery were denied, though his daughter Delphine Arnault joined Gagosian's board. The purchase price remains undisclosed. Italian Undersecretary for Culture Lucia Borgonzoni stated that only part of the property is currently protected by heritage restrictions, excluding the vineyard, and that the ministry will study extending protections. Arnault already owns historic Milanese pastry shop Cova since 2013. His plans for Casa degli Atellani are unknown, but his patronage record suggests cultural use.