The art world is about to witness a seismic shift. In an unprecedented alliance, Pace Gallery, Emmanuel Di Donna, and David Schrader are launching a global gallery dedicated to the secondary art market. Named Pace DiDonna Schrader (PDS), the gallery promises to bring unparalleled expertise, curatorial depth, and access to elite collectors under one roof. Headquartered on New York’s Upper East Side, the gallery is poised to become a major force internationally, with its first historical exhibition slated for fall 2026.
A Strategic Alliance of Art World Titans
The creation of PDS unites three powerhouses of the art world:
- Pace Gallery, with a network spanning New York, Los Angeles, London, Geneva, Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo, brings decades of experience representing postwar and contemporary masters.
- Emmanuel Di Donna, former Sotheby’s vice chairman for Impressionist and Modern art, contributes his deep knowledge of Surrealist, modern, and postwar movements, along with the infrastructure and curatorial vision for PDS.
- David Schrader, executive VP and chairman of global private sales at Sotheby’s, is known for orchestrating major private acquisitions and connecting works with high-profile collectors worldwide.
Emmanuel Di Donna emphasized the natural timing of the partnership:
For more than two decades, Marc, David, and I have collaborated informally whenever a work, a collection, or a museum project called for a shared perspective. Formalizing that partnership now allows us to offer collectors a truly holistic experience.
– Emmanuel Di Donna emphasized the natural timing of the partnership.
Targeting the Secondary Market — A Bold Vision
Secondary market sales, once a niche corner of the art ecosystem, have become increasingly influential in shaping collector behavior and market dynamics.
There are no great, great secondary galleries anymore.
– According to Marc Glimcher, Pace CEO.
With PDS, the trio aims to fill this void, leveraging decades of expertise and an extensive network to provide buyers and sellers with a fully integrated experience. From advising on acquisitions and deaccessions to curatorial guidance and institutional relationships, PDS is positioning itself as a one-stop destination for discerning collectors.
The gallery’s focus will span historical and postwar masterpieces, ensuring that legendary works receive the attention, scholarship, and market placement they deserve.
Expertise Meets Market Savvy
What sets PDS apart is the combination of scholarship and market acumen. Di Donna’s curatorial eye for Surrealist and postwar works complements Pace’s robust roster of artists, while Schrader’s connections with global collectors ensure that high-value works find the right homes.
This triad allows PDS to operate at the intersection of connoisseurship and commerce, offering collectors access to works that might otherwise remain inaccessible, while providing museums and institutions with expert guidance on loans, acquisitions, and exhibitions.
A Global Reach with Local Roots
Although headquartered in New York, PDS is designed for the international stage. The gallery’s founders intend to tap markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond, reflecting the globalization of both collecting practices and the circulation of high-value artworks.
PDS will not merely sell art; it will curate experiences, presenting exhibitions that contextualize historical works and foster dialogue between artists, collectors, and institutions. The inaugural exhibition of historical works in fall 2026 is expected to set a new benchmark for secondary market engagement.
PDS: Shaping the Future of Art Collecting
Pace DiDonna Schrader represents a bold reimagining of what a secondary market gallery can be. By combining decades of expertise, international reach, and deep connections with collectors, the gallery promises not only to facilitate transactions but also to enhance the cultural and curatorial value of historical works.
Editor’s Choice
As art markets evolve and collectors seek more sophisticated experiences, PDS is poised to become a global hub for scholarship, acquisition, and appreciation, bridging tradition with innovation in a space where the past and present of art converge.
