The End of an Artistic Journey: The Legendary NFT CryptoPunks Transferred to the NODE Foundation
One of the Most Valuable NFT Collections, CryptoPunks, Acquired by Infinite Node Foundation
The globally renowned NFT collection, CryptoPunks, has officially been acquired by the nonprofit organization Infinite Node Foundation, which has received a funding boost of $25 million. This historic acquisition not only injects new energy into the digital art world but also symbolizes the formal transition of CryptoPunks into a decentralized and community-driven future.
NODE Foundation Takes Over CryptoPunks Intellectual Property
The nonprofit organization Infinite Node Foundation (NODE) announced yesterday that it will acquire the intellectual property (IP) of the famous NFT collection CryptoPunks from Yuga Labs, along with funding of up to $25 million for establishing a fund.
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
NODE emphasized in its official tweet that the foundation aims to become “the most well-funded nonprofit organization in the United States focused on digital art”: “Our role is to establish a networked structure that allows digital art like CryptoPunks to thrive within the context of digital fields and art history.”
From Larva to Yuga: Witnessing the Birth of the NFT IP Legend
CryptoPunks, created by Larva Labs in 2017, consists of 10,000 algorithmically generated pixel characters designed by artists Matt Hall and John Watkinson, and is regarded as a pioneering work in the NFT world.
Past highest sale price of CryptoPunks NFT
NODE referred to it in the announcement as “an existence that has changed the art world,” with total sales surpassing $3.07 billion and a market value nearing $1.2 billion. In 2022, a single piece even sold for nearly $24 million.
In 2022, the IP ownership of CryptoPunks transferred to Yuga Labs, the issuer of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT, which subsequently acquired the Meebits series but resold it in early 2025.
CryptoPunks’ Rebirth Plan: Establishing an Advisory Board and Permanent Exhibition
As a newly established nonprofit organization focused on supporting the development of digital art, NODE expressed that it plans to operate CryptoPunks in a decentralized manner, returning to community-driven and artistic essence:
“This is not about ownership, but about the liberation of art.”
Additionally, an advisory board will be formed, consisting of the two founders of Larva Labs, Yuga Labs’ Wylie Aronow, and Art Blocks founder Erick Calderon, with advisors hired to assist in the connection and transition work.
It is worth mentioning that NODE plans to establish a permanent exhibition space in Palo Alto, California, showcasing all CryptoPunks collectibles and operating a complete Ethereum node to ensure the long-term preservation and stability of digital assets.
Community Expresses Support: “Home Again”
Following the announcement, the NFT community expressed widespread support. Punk #1111 collector VonMises14 remarked, “The CryptoPunks IP has finally found its home, no longer influenced and corrupted by commercial interests. We always hoped that Punks would be preserved and remain undisturbed, and that has finally been realized.”
He also welcomed the return of original creators and industry celebrities, expecting CryptoPunks to enter a new era symbolizing rebirth and transformation.
From Tokens to Cultural Products: The Legend Ends, Art is Reborn
NODE has committed to continuing the original spirit of CryptoPunks, allowing it to remain one of “the most significant art movements of this century.” With the combination of decentralized governance and artistic spirit, CryptoPunks has already reshaped people’s imagination of the future of digital art and will continue to endure.
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