Artcurial: Auctions, Exhibitions & Valuations

A former hotel situated on the Champs-Élysées, this 19th century building now hosts 100 Artcurial auctions per year in 20 different categories. Following a brand new restoration project, the business has grown to become one of the capital’s largest auction houses.

Across the 2,000sqm space, expect to encounter a vast range of fine art and antiques in the hands of novices and experts alike. If auctions are new to you, don’t be deterred. Browse through the museum-like showroom and discover how experienced art and antique dealers work their magic, if you are not keen to enter the bidder’s circle yourself.

A Temple of the Arts: 173 Years of French History

Artcurial offers a highly sophisticated auction experience with the restoration of its Beaux-Art building. Housed in a historic townhouse, the carved stone façade presents a striking statement. On entering, you will discover a modern and welcoming space that reflects the company’s passion for art and collectibles. Laid out over two-stories, visitors can the see the auction items in the public viewing rooms set amid the centuries-old woodwork.

A brief passage from the entrance places visitors directly into the centre of the action: behind a dramatic doorway, that reveals the double-height space of the sales room, Artcurial’s main auction space. A private gallery offers VIP bidders a clear view across the auction room. On the ground floor, there is a glass roof-topped space served by a café and restaurant, a destination that will provide a suntrap during the day, and dining in the evening.

The building was originally home to the wealthy Sabatier d'Espeyran family. Designed by Henri Parent in 1844, the edifice was a marvel of neo-classical style. It underwent alterations in 1952, when Marcel Dassault bought the building as hotel premises. In 2002, the Dassault family transformed the empty shell into one of the highest earning auction houses in France.

Artcurial Auctions

 Art Curial holds regular monthly auctions and exhibitions of fine art, antiques and collectables. As a result, exhibits change on a regular basis and you will always find something new to discover.

Fashion Arts: Happy Birthday Christian Dior! 

On 21st June 2017, Artcurial will be celebrating the 70^th anniversary of Christian Dior. To rediscover the early days of the maison, the auction will be displaying the most beautiful of all its haut-couture, jewellery and accessories, as well as advertising memorabilia that embody French elegance. Among the exhibits are a set of souvenirs from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, photographs by Françoise Huguierand and the hat worn by Marie-Hélène de Rothschild in 1972. This is the second sale dedicated to Fashion Arts and shows the company’s desire to broaden its fashion collections.

Annual Urban Art Auction

In the past, Artcurial has seen its galleries crammed with street art collectors for its Urban Art auction. This is an annual sale presenting historic graffiti art. In addition to key pieces such as the dazzling Pick & Mix by JonOne and Homeless Kingdom by Antoine Gamard, the exhibits include the achievements of British street artist, Nick Walker, whose style is similar to Banksy.

Valuation Days & Past Major Sales

Valuation days are organised everyday by appointment at the Artcurial headquarters. They are free and confidential, and offer advice in total discretion about both buying and selling. Find out more about the various Artcurial venues that offer these services. 

Major sales in the past year have included Aristide Maillol’s famous sculpture La rivière (1938–1943), which rocketed past a €3 million high estimate last December to sell for €6,177,266. Two works by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, La Danse de Noces en Plein Air and Le Paiement de la Dime went for €1,661,400 and €1,660,362. And Yves Klein’s F 131, l’Eau, le feu et la marque du corps (1961) doubled its upper estimate of €300,000 to sell for €621,394. 

The Artcurial Café

The renowned Artcurial Café, situated in the winter garden, is famous for its Italian cuisine. Its refurbished interior attracts a wealthy clientele of the area, known as the Golden Triangle. You can dine at one of the white marble-topped café tables or directly underneath the glass roof-topped bar – with interiors designed by Charles Zana. The chef Mrs. Einaudi, known as La Mamma, produces pasta a la carte served with truffles, salads, stew or seafood.

Bookshop: Magazines, Catalogues & Events

Collectors flock to the art bookshop located on the ground floor. It is one of the largest in France, with its comprehensive selection of annotated catalogues, signature events and selection of fashionable international newspapers and magazines. The bookstore participates in Paris Art Fair with a programme of exhibitions and book signings. Last year, it focused on contemporary African art with a selection of catalogues and artists books. The store also presented the ‘White Ocean’ exhibition with textile pieces by Simone Pheulpin.

Auction Schedule

Click here to see a list of all of the Artcurial forthcoming sales. Browse the individual sales collections or click through to their search page to view all main events.

Hotel Marcel Dassault © Artcurial| CC License