Lease or rent art
inexpensively from ato
How an artwork reaches you despite its high price
Not everyone can afford art for several thousand euros. Frankly, only a very small percentage can. But living with art that touches you, that makes you think or that captivates you with its beauty should not be an unattainable luxury! That is why we have developed an affordable leasing/rental model. The same applies to companies. Not everyone can build up large art collections or finance them directly. However, art in the office, conference room, waiting areas or canteens stimulates the mind and creates atmosphere. It can create a feeling of solidarity through its presence. This is why we also offer inexpensive leasing or rental models for companies.
Art rental vs. art leasing: The differences
In principle, renting artworks is cheaper than leasing.
However, the rent paid is not taken into account as a down payment, as is the case with leasing. This means that when renting, the contract is designed from the outset so that the artworks are returned at the end of the rental contract. We offer to exchange works of art on an annual basis. This guarantees variety and allows you to get to know new works of art.
In contrast to leasing, all works of art can be rented - even those under 1,000 euros.
Leasing art
How does art leasing work at ato?
All artworks costing 1,000 euros or more can be leased from ato. We take care of the free delivery and removal and, if desired, the installation. The leasing amount is paid monthly. At the end of the leasing contract, you have the option of returning the artwork or buying it outright at a previously defined residual value. Payment by installments is of course possible.
How long does the leasing contract run for?
The leasing contracts are generally fixed for 2 years. Individual payment periods can be discussed in individual cases.
How much does art leasing cost?
The exact leasing amount varies depending on the price of the artwork. A minimum amount of €20 per artwork should be expected. The residual value at which a work of art can be purchased at the end of the leasing contract is made up as follows: Original price of the artwork plus 10% and less the monthly amounts already paid.
Who is liable for damage to the artwork?
The lessee is liable for all damage caused to the artwork that was not reported directly upon delivery. In the case of damage that is not the responsibility of the lessee (e.g. brittleness of the material, discoloration despite slight exposure to sunlight), we guarantee to restore/restore or replace the work free of charge. We recommend that all lessees take out private or business liability insurance that covers damage to art. In this way, art can be handled with care, but not in an obsessively reverent manner.
Renting art
How long does a rental contract for artworks run for?
A rental contract runs for a minimum period of one year. If it is not terminated 3 months before the end of the contract, it is automatically extended for a further year. A rental agreement with changing works of art is designed for a minimum of 2 years (rotation after one year). We are generally open to short rental periods for project-related requests (exhibitions, film sets, events), please contact us directly.
How much does it cost to rent art?
Renting art is the cheapest way to live with art. The price varies depending on the artwork and the number of artworks. In general, you can expect to pay an average of 10 - 40 €/work per month. Information on transportation: Due to the low prices, we have to charge the delivery and collection costs separately for the rental model.
Ouch! Who is liable for damage to the artwork?
The renter is liable for all damage caused to the artwork that was not reported directly upon delivery. In the case of damage that is not the responsibility of the tenant (e.g. brittleness of the material, discoloration without sunlight), we guarantee a free restoration or replacement of the work. We recommend that all tenants take out private or business liability insurance that covers damage to art. In this way, art can be handled with care but not in an obsessively reverent manner.
Not only have we received professional and personalized art advice for our office - the selection of leased artworks really gives us great pleasure every day!
Karlsruhe Lessee and Managing Director
Art for leasing (selection)
Looking through the keyhole

Seeing Benjamin Breitkopf's artwork makes me happy every day. Leasing the artwork has given my apartment the "personal touch" that I wanted all along.
(Lili M., private lessee)

We are completely satisfied with ato’s service—from the art consultation, tailored to our spaces, to the installation of the artworks. Each piece is a daily eye-catcher, adding a special touch to our entrance area and employee kitchen. The leasing option has made access to “art in the office” significantly easier for us.
(Dr. Iris Schwenk, COO and Co-Founder, HQS Quantum Simulations, lessee)
What are the advantages of art leasing and renting?
Art can help people to feel comfortable in their living or working environment. Art encourages people to think, look and question. Art can also stimulate and inspire the personal imagination. Art can be social and contain socially relevant themes. It can be effective in places such as canteens/catering areas or staff rooms, for example, and enriches interaction. Other works of art refer to specific themes or values that are close to the company's heart and therefore form a bridge to its own activities. And some works are so beautiful that they speak for themselves.
Renting or leasing art is easy, enriching and a pretty good decision. After all, it's not just you and your surroundings that benefit, but also the artists who make an essential contribution every day.
What you get - in a nutshell:
- Free advice via video call
- On request: Personal meeting at your premises and creation of an individual selection of works
- Monthly fees averaging €10 - €60 per artwork
- Possibility to exchange artworks regularly or pay them off piece by piece if you can no longer part with them

Why art again?
Art is an important part of our social life. However, many works of art are prohibitively expensive. The possibility of leasing or renting artworks allows more people to enjoy the benefits of art in their own homes.
Instead of having to spend large sums on the purchase of artworks, you can pay small monthly amounts and thus be quite crisis-proof. Another advantage of ato's rental offers is that the art can be replaced regularly. This brings a breath of fresh air into your own environment and allows you to discover new artworks.
In addition, leasing or renting art offers a low-threshold opportunity to get to grips with living with art. It does not require a long-term commitment to a work of art and allows you to remain flexible.
After all, art at home or in the office enriches everyday life with inspiration, emotion, thoughtfulness, discourse and beauty. Works of art can encourage us to reflect on our thoughts. They stimulate our imagination and can actually help to relieve stress.
Leasing or renting art is therefore an attractive way to enjoy the benefits of art without having to pay the full price straight away. By the way, it also works as a gift!
Find out more here:
Contact
Free art advice, rental or leasing inquiries?
Just give us a call or send us an e-mail.