ART AUCTIONS

Art Auction Houses and Online Art Auctions

This guide provides information on the world's most prominent and well-established art auction houses, including internationally recognized names like Christie's and Sotheby's. For smaller art and antique auctions, be sure to visit our Auction Houses Guide, which is organized by U.S. states.

When buying art at auction, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and overbid. Set a firm limit for your maximum bid, and always factor in the buyer's premium. Research the artwork beforehand—condition plays a major role in determining value. Also, consider shipping and handling costs, which can add significantly to your total.

If you're selling, be sure you understand the seller's fees and any additional charges imposed by the auction house. It's often wise to explore multiple auction houses and review past sale results before consigning your work. While New York's top-tier auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's are renowned for handling high-value artworks, they typically involve higher fees. Unless you're dealing with blue-chip or museum-quality pieces, smaller regional auction houses may offer better options for both buyers and sellers.

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MAJOR ART AUCTION HOUSES

Founded in London in 1793, Bonhams is the only remaining international auction house that is both privately owned and British operated. Hosting more than 400 specialist sales annually across 60 categories, Bonhams conducts major auctions at its flagship locations in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. With experts in all major areas fine art, antiques, jewelry, motor cars, and collectibles. Bonhams is a trusted destination for buying and selling. The auction house is recognized globally across all sectors of the art and antiques market, with several of its departments established as leaders in their fields.

Christie's has been a premier destination for exceptional art and luxury items since 1766. As a global leader in the art world, Christie's maintains a presence in 46 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with flagship sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva. Known for both live and online-only auctions, as well as private sales, Christie's offers clients a range of services including appraisals, art financing. Auctions span over 80 categories, with items ranging from $500 to more than $100 million. Their website features a helpful FAQ section that explains how to buy and sell at auction, making it a valuable resource for both new and seasoned collectors.

Headquartered in New York with offices from coast to coast, DOYLE is strategically situated to serve families and fiduciaries in all areas of the country. DOYLE's New York-based team and regional advisors are always available to discuss the appraisal and sale of a single object or an entire collection. Let us share our passion and expertise with you. We invite you to partner with us to ensure an outstanding, successful, and personalized appraisal and auction experience.

Heritage Auctions is the largest collectibles auctioneer in the world and the third-largest auction house overall. It also holds the distinction of being the largest auction house founded in the United States. With over 1.5 million registered bidder members on HA.com from countries around the globe, Heritage has built a loyal and growing community of collectors. This strong following reflects the strength of its online platform, its reputation for integrity, and its deep expertise in art and collectibles. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional offices in New York, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Palm Beach, Chicago, Hong Kong, and several locations across Europe.

From a single work of art to an entire estate, LAMA is the premier auction house on the West Coast to buy and sell Modern and contemporary art & design. Founded in 1992, LAMA holds three live auctions a year, several timed online-only auctions, plus occasional exhibits that are open to the public. LAMA caters to an international market, offering special expertise in artists of the California region it calls home, and consistently sets new records for artists including Peter Alexander, Charles Arnoldi, Ruth Asawa, John Baldessari, Vija Celmins, Mary Corse, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, and Andy Warhol Telephone number 323-904-1950. Visit our website for additional information: https://www.lamodern.com/

Phillips is a leading global auction house specializing in 20th and 21st century art and design, offering a dynamic platform for buying and selling exceptional works. Auctions and exhibitions are held regularly in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, supported by a network of representative offices throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips' categories include Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Editions, Photographs, Jewels, and Watches. In addition to live and online auctions, the company offers items for immediate purchase, along with private sales and comprehensive advisory services.

Sotheby's is one of the world's most prominent and respected auction houses, offering a comprehensive range of services for art collectors, including trusts and estates, appraisals, and private sales. Known for presenting major art and antique auctions across the globe, Sotheby's has played a key role in expanding international access to the art market, with landmark locations in cities such as New York, Paris, Hong Kong, and Doha. With 80 offices in 40 countries, nine salerooms worldwide, and private sales galleries in New York, London, and Hong Kong, Sotheby's conducts approximately 250 auctions annually across more than 70 categories. It remains a premier destination for acquiring some of the finest and most valuable works of art and objects in the market.

Founded in 1941, Swann Auction Galleries began as a specialist in Rare and Antiquarian Books and has since grown into the world's largest auction house dedicated to Works on Paper. Swann conducts around 40 sales annually, with dedicated departments for Books, Autographs, Maps & Atlases, Photographs & Photobooks, Prints & Drawings, Vintage Posters, African American Art, Modern & Post-War Art, and Illustration Art. If you're looking to buy or sell within any of these categories, Swann is a respected and trusted option to consider.

MAJOR EUROPEAN ART AUCTION HOUSES

Each year, the Dorotheum hosts approximately 700 auctions, supported by a staff of over 100 experts across 40 departments specializing in a wide range of collecting areas. Founded in Vienna in 1707 by Emperor Joseph I, the Dorotheum is now the largest auction house in German-speaking Europe, a market leader in Central Europe, and one of the oldest and largest auction houses in the world. A destination for art lovers and collectors, the Dorotheum offers efficient customer service and an extensive international network of contacts and clients. The house places particular emphasis on modern and contemporary art and is headquartered in Vienna.

This Paris-based auction house is the largest auction company in France. For more than thirty years, Tajan has been a key destination for art collectors and enthusiasts. Today, the company holds over sixty auctions a year, has set numerous records, and continues to expand both regionally and internationally. Their website is informative and available in both French and English.

Villa Grisebach is the top-selling auction house for Modern Art in Germany since 1988 with the main focus on photography and art of 19th to 21st century. Further it has remained the unchallenged market leader in German 20th century art. All of this is a result of the great dedication of a highly professional team. Headquartered in Berlin, their pecialty areas include Photography and Modern & Contemporary Art.

AUCTION DETAILS & CAUTION

If you're new to online auction be very careful when you first start bidding with online. Purchase one or two low priced items to get used to the bidding process. Also, make sure that you know the auction house rules and payment requirements on successful bids. Shipping costs should also be figured and the auction house should be able to assist with this. Frequently they will refer you to a third party shipper.

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Looking for more? We also feature resources for Art Appraisers, Advisors & Consultants, Art Auctions, and other professional art services. Our Artist Guides link directly to artist websites, and our popular Painters and Photographers guides help you discover new talent—many of whom sell directly or are represented by galleries.

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