Don Gummer Net Worth

Don Gummer is one of America’s most respected sculptors, known for his innovative use of materials like stone, bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, and glass. His works span more than five decades, blending abstract and constructivist elements to create meaningful public art and gallery pieces. Over the years, Gummer has built not only a remarkable artistic legacy but also a significant financial portfolio.

As of 2025, Don Gummer’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. This figure includes his earnings from art commissions, exhibitions, real estate investments, and shared marital assets accumulated over a lifetime, particularly through his marriage to legendary actress Meryl Streep, whose net worth alone is around $160 million.

This article takes a deep dive into Don Gummer’s journey — from his early life and education to his career, family, and sources of income — to understand how he built his wealth and reputation.

Don Gummer’s Profile

Early Life and Family Background

Donald James Gummer was born on December 12, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised in Indiana. His parents, Dorothy Ann (née Jacobson) and William Adolph Gummer, played a supportive role in his artistic journey. Don grew up in a large family with five brothers — William, Jack, Richard, Steven, and Mark.

Growing up with so many siblings gave Gummer a strong sense of teamwork and creativity. His interest in art developed early, setting the foundation for a career that would make him one of the most respected sculptors of his generation.

Education and Artistic Foundation

Don Gummer’s education was deeply influential in shaping his career. After attending Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, he pursued formal training at the Herron School of Art from 1964 to 1966.

His passion for sculpture and design led him to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston, where he built his skills and experimented with various materials. Later, he attended Yale University, earning both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 1973.

At Yale, Gummer studied under renowned sculptors and was heavily influenced by Constructivism, a style that emphasizes abstract, geometric forms. By 1968, while still a student, Gummer began building abstract sculptures, laying the groundwork for his future career.

Career Journey

The Beginning of His Artistic Career

Don Gummer started his professional career shortly after graduating from Yale. His early works were smaller, table-top and wall-mounted sculptures that explored space, balance, and form.

By the mid-1980s, Gummer transitioned to creating large-scale, free-standing sculptures. These pieces incorporated a variety of materials, including bronze and stainless steel. His style evolved to include vibrant stained glass and aluminum, blending traditional sculpting with modern materials.

Major Themes and Materials

Don Gummer’s work is known for its architectural qualities and exploration of public spaces. The materials he frequently uses include:

• Stone – for traditional, grounded works
• Bronze – providing durability and elegance
• Stainless Steel & Aluminum – giving a modern industrial feel
• Glass – especially stained glass for dynamic lighting effects

These materials allow Gummer to create striking, monumental sculptures that engage viewers from multiple perspectives.

Key Commissions and Exhibitions

Over his career, Gummer has showcased his work in prestigious galleries and public spaces. Some of his most notable works include:

• Southern Circle – A 25-foot-tall sculpture in Indianapolis weighing 20,000 pounds, made from stainless steel and stained glass.
• Primary Compass (2000) – An outdoor permanent installation at the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio.
• The Optimist – Installed at the Preston Arts Center in Kentucky.
• Primary Separation (2006) – Displayed at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA).
• Fountain for Villa Astaldi – A celebrated piece displayed in Rome, Italy.

His first solo exhibition was held in 1973, and since then, his work has been displayed internationally, including in Japan, Europe, and across the United States.

Personal Life and Marriage to Meryl Streep

Don Gummer’s personal life has been closely tied to his marriage to world-renowned actress Meryl Streep. Before meeting Streep, Gummer was married to Peggy Jenel Lucas in 1967, though this marriage ended before he met Streep.

In September 1978, Don Gummer married Meryl Streep, just six months after the tragic death of her former partner, actor John Cazale. Together, they raised four children:

1. Henry Wolfe – Musician and actor
2. Mamie Gummer – Actress
3. Grace Gummer – Actress
4. Louisa Jacobson – Actress

The couple were married for 40 years before they separated in 2017, a fact that became public in 2023. Despite their separation, they remain supportive of one another and continue to co-parent their children.

Real Estate and Investments

A significant portion of Don Gummer’s wealth comes from real estate investments made jointly with Meryl Streep. The couple has owned multiple high-value properties over the years:

• Pasadena, California Home – Purchased for $3.6 million and later sold at a profit.
• Salisbury, Connecticut Estate – A 90-acre country home serving as a private retreat.
• New York City Properties:

• • 1995 – Bought a townhouse for $2.175 million, sold in 2005 for $9.1 million.

  • 2006 – Purchased a penthouse for $10.13 million, sold in 2019 for approximately $16 million.

These property deals significantly boosted Gummer’s net worth over the decades.

How Don Gummer Built His Net Worth

Don Gummer’s $80 million net worth comes from multiple sources. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Art Sales and Exhibitions

• Sales of sculptures through galleries and private collectors.
• Public exhibitions that generate prestige and revenue.
• Limited edition sculptures and smaller works sold to collectors.

2. Public Art Commissions

Gummer has been commissioned to create large-scale public sculptures, which often cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Examples include the Southern Circle sculpture in Indianapolis and other civic works.

3. Real Estate Profits

• Buying and selling high-value properties over the years provided substantial capital gains.
• These transactions represent one of the largest contributors to his total wealth.

4. Shared Assets with Meryl Streep

During their 40-year marriage, Gummer and Streep shared investments and properties.
Although they separated in 2017, some assets remain tied between them, boosting Gummer’s overall financial profile.

5. Art Appreciation

• Many of Gummer’s unsold pieces have appreciated in value over time.
• Museums and collectors pay significant sums for works by established artists like Gummer.

Comparison to Meryl Streep’s Wealth

While Don Gummer’s net worth is impressive, it is smaller compared to that of his former spouse, Meryl Streep, who has an estimated net worth of $160 million.
Combined, the couple’s shared wealth once exceeded $240 million, making them one of the most financially powerful pairs in the arts and entertainment world.

Career Highlights and Awards

Throughout his illustrious career, Don Gummer has received numerous accolades:

• Solo exhibitions in prestigious galleries worldwide.
• Recognition for his architectural approach to sculpture.
• Praise from art critics for giving “postmodern life to classic principles of abstract composition.”

While not as publicly decorated as his wife, Gummer has earned a solid reputation among art collectors and institutions.

Challenges and Separation

In October 2023, the public learned that Gummer and Streep had been separated since 2017, though they remain amicable.
This revelation raised questions about how their shared assets are divided and how it affects Don Gummer’s net worth.

Despite personal changes, Gummer has continued to focus on his art, demonstrating resilience and commitment to his craft.

Estimated Net Worth Over Time

Legacy and Future Outlook

Don Gummer’s career has had a profound impact on the art world. His innovative use of materials and dedication to large-scale public art projects have inspired countless emerging artists. Even as he steps back from public life, his works continue to be displayed and celebrated worldwide.

Looking ahead, the value of Gummer’s art is expected to increase, which could further boost his net worth. His children, especially those active in the arts like Mamie and Grace Gummer, carry forward the family’s creative legacy.

Conclusion

Don Gummer’s journey from a young art student in Indiana to a world-renowned sculptor is a story of talent, perseverance, and vision. His estimated $80 million net worth reflects decades of artistic achievement, strategic investments, and shared assets built during his marriage to Meryl Streep.

Through his sculptures, Gummer has left a permanent mark on public spaces and private collections around the globe. Whether through monumental works like Southern Circle or his dedication to artistic innovation, Don Gummer’s legacy is secure — both creatively and financially.

In the world of contemporary sculpture, few names command as much respect and admiration as Don Gummer. His wealth is not merely a reflection of financial success but a testament to a life dedicated to art and family