ALICE WALTON

Alice Walton

ALICE WALTON BIOGRAPHY

Alice Walton, born on October 7, 1949, is the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton and the only daughter among his children. As of 2024, she is one of the wealthiest women in the world, with a net worth estimated at around $88.9 billion. Alice is known for her significant influence in the world of art and philanthropy, as well as her role within the Walton family’s legacy.

Unlike her brothers, who are more directly involved in Walmart’s operations, Alice has focused her career on different areas, particularly art and education. She played a pivotal role in founding the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, Arkansas. Opened in 2011, the museum has become one of the most important art institutions in the U.S., housing an impressive collection of American art from the Colonial era to contemporary works. Alice’s passion for art has been a driving force behind her philanthropic activities, and she has made substantial contributions to the art world through her acquisitions and museum work​.

Before her philanthropic efforts, Alice worked briefly in the financial sector. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Trinity University in Texas and initially pursued a career in finance, working as an equity analyst and money manager. She also founded her own investment bank, Llama Company, in the late 1980s, although the firm later closed in 1998​.

Beyond her contributions to art, Alice Walton is involved in the Walton Family Foundation, which primarily focuses on education reform, including supporting charter schools and other initiatives aimed at improving education in the United States. In 2016, she and her brother Jim Walton contributed $250 million to support charter school facilities through the Building Equity Initiative, aiming to improve access to quality education​.

Throughout her life, Alice has been relatively private but has occasionally been involved in public controversies, including legal issues related to traffic accidents. Despite these incidents, her focus has remained on philanthropy and art, as she continues to expand the influence of Crystal Bridges and support causes close to her heart.

Alice Walton’s commitment to art and philanthropy reflects her desire to make a lasting impact beyond the Walmart empire. While her brothers, Jim and Rob Walton, continue to oversee Walmart’s business, Alice has carved her own legacy in American culture through her art patronage, cementing her as one of the most influential figures in the art world​.