Benjamin Altman

Biography

Benjamin Altman built a retail empire with his eponymous department store in New York City, earning a reputation for elegant merchandise, personal service, and a generous spirit. He nurtured a refined aesthetic in display and design, drawing shoppers who appreciated both quality and attention to detail.

An avid art collector, he bequeathed his collection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art along with endowments that continue to support education, ensuring that his love of beauty and civic responsibility live on beyond his lifetime.