On the Block: Cornell Boxes For Millions

May 2, 2014 8:55 p.m. ET

Lindy and Edward Bergman, the longtime heads of a major metals business, were worried about becoming intellectually lazy. So the Chicago couple attended a University of Chicago art class. Shortly afterward, in 1955, they began to amass a world-class collection of mostly 20th-century works that eventually filled every nook and tabletop in their home.

This spring, Christie's hopes to capitalize on the Bergmans' collecting prowess and rich philanthropic legacy when it auctions 72 remaining objects from their vast collection,...

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