Announced on May 13, the deal marks a new chapter for one of Web3’s most recognizable brands.
While the sale price remains undisclosed, NODE revealed it received a $25 million endowment. This positions cryptopunks as the most well-funded nonprofit focused solely on digital art in the United States.
Shifting Winds in NFT Ownership and Art Preservation
CryptoPunks, launched in 2017 by Larva Labs and acquired by Yuga Labs in 2022, have long stood as a symbol of early NFT innovation. By transferring stewardship to a nonprofit, Yuga Labs is handing over the reins of a cultural asset to a group focused not on profit. But, on preservation and public access.
NODE has already put together an advisory board to guide the future of CryptoPunks. It includes the original artists, Matt Hall and John Watkinson, and a representative from Yuga Labs. To ensure that CryptoPunks remains both a beacon of digital creativity and a historically respected body of work.
The Infinite Node Foundation (NODE) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the intellectual property of @cryptopunksnfts from @yugalabs.
Launched by Larva Labs in 2017, CryptoPunks are widely regarded as the catalyst for the modern digital art movement. Their $3.07B in sales… pic.twitter.com/RQ6apT8A3o
— NODE (@nodefnd) May 13, 2025
This move reflects a larger trend in the digital art world: the blending of crypto-native assets with traditional cultural institutions. From Sotheby’s NFT auctions to museums experimenting with blockchain provenance, the line between fine art and digital collectibles is growing thinner.
A New Chapter for Digital Culture
NFTs are unique tokens stored on a blockchain. They allow artists and collectors to prove ownership and authenticity of digital works. As more major institutions begin to explore these tools, nonprofits like NODE are emerging to ensure that artistic value doesn’t get lost in market hype.
The CryptoPunks deal comes at a time when interest in NFT utility and longevity is returning. After a cooler market in 2023, the NFT space has seen renewed enthusiasm in 2024 and 2025, with platforms focusing on sustainability and cultural legitimacy. According to NonFungible.com, NFT art transactions have climbed over 40% year-over-year.
We are excited to announce CryptoPunks have found a permanent home at The Infinite Node Foundation. @nodefnd is a non-profit committed to the preservation and expansion of contemporary digital art.@larvalabs founders & artists Matt Hall & John Watkinson are returning to join… pic.twitter.com/0E2gk0RuyD
— CryptoPunks (@cryptopunksnfts) May 13, 2025
CryptoPunks’ move from a commercial entity to a nonprofit foundation may inspire other projects to think beyond floor prices. By placing long-term cultural relevance at the center, NODE is setting a precedent: digital art deserves the same stewardship as traditional masterpieces.
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