Dasha Zhukova facts for kids

Darya "Dasha" Alexandrovna Zhukova (Russian: Дарья "Даша" Александровна Жукова; born June 8, 1981) is a Russian-American art collector and businesswoman. She is also a magazine editor and a well-known person in society. Dasha is famous for starting the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and Garage Magazine.

Early Life and Education

Dasha Zhukova was born in Moscow, Russia, on June 8, 1981. Her father, Alexander Zhukov, was an oil trader. Her mother, Elena Zhukova, was a scientist. Dasha's parents separated when she was three years old.

In 1991, Dasha moved to the United States with her mother. They first lived in the Houston area because of her mother's work. Later, they moved to Los Angeles, California. Her mother became a professor at UCLA.

Dasha went to a Jewish day school in California for three years. She then attended Pacific Hills School, graduating in 1999. She studied Slavic studies and literature at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She graduated with honors. In 2023, Dasha earned a Masters of Arts degree from New York University.

Career and Art

In 2006, Dasha Zhukova helped start a fashion brand called Kova & T. She also serves on the boards of important art places. These include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is also on the board for The Shed in New York.

In 2008, Dasha started the Garage Center for Contemporary Culture in Moscow. This was a non-profit group that helped modern art and culture in Russia. In 2012, the center began an art education program. It also created a public collection of Russian art.

In 2014, the center changed its name to the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. The next year, it moved to a new home in Gorky Park. The building was designed by Rem Koolhaas. It used to be a Soviet canteen from 1968. Now, it is a special place for art shows, books, research, and learning.

In 2009, Dasha became the editor-in-chief of Pop fashion magazine. She left this job in 2010 after three issues.

Dasha is also the Editorial Director of GARAGE magazine. This magazine comes out twice a year. It focuses on how modern art and fashion work together. GARAGE magazine has worked with many famous artists and creators. These include Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Marc Jacobs. The magazine got its name and spirit from the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art.

Personal Life

In 2008, Dasha Zhukova married Roman Abramovich. He is a Russian businessman. They had two children together, a son and a daughter. Both children were born in the United States. In August 2017, Dasha and Roman announced they would separate.

On October 11, 2019, Dasha married Stavros Niarchos III in Paris, France. Stavros is the son of Philip Niarchos. Dasha and Stavros have three children together. They have two sons, born in March 2021 and November 2024, and a daughter, born in 2023.

Dasha Zhukova is a citizen of both Russia and the United States. The businessman Rupert Murdoch became her stepfather in June 2024. This happened when he married Dasha's mother.