Sotheby's at The Breuer Building
About
Sotheby's at The Breuer Building represents a fascinating convergence of auction house excellence and architectural significance in one of New York's most prestigious locations. Situated at 945 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side, this venue occupies the distinctive brutalist building designed by Marcel Breuer that formerly housed the Whitney Museum of American Art. The building itself is a landmark of modernist architecture, featuring the iconic inverted ziggurat facade that has become an integral part of Madison Avenue's cultural landscape. For art enthusiasts, visiting Sotheby's at this location offers the unique opportunity to experience world-class art within a space that is itself a celebrated work of design. As one of the world's leading auction houses, Sotheby's presents an ever-changing array of artworks and objects that span centuries, cultures, and artistic movements. Visitors can expect to encounter previews of upcoming auctions featuring everything from Old Master paintings and Impressionist works to contemporary art, rare furniture, jewelry, and decorative objects. What makes the programming at this venue particularly compelling is its dynamic nature. Unlike traditional museums with permanent collections, the exhibitions here rotate frequently based on auction schedules, meaning each visit offers entirely new discoveries. The quality of works on display is consistently exceptional, as these pieces are being offered for sale to serious collectors and institutions worldwide. The visitor experience at Sotheby's at The Breuer Building is both accessible and enriching. The gallery spaces maintain the architectural integrity of Breuer's design while providing professional exhibition settings that allow artworks to be viewed at close range. The atmosphere strikes a balance between the formality befitting valuable artworks and a welcoming environment for curious visitors. Admission to preview exhibitions is typically free, making this an excellent destination for anyone interested in seeing museum-quality art without the crowds often found at major institutions. Whether you are a seasoned collector, an art history student, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful objects, the rotating exhibitions provide an educational glimpse into the international art market and the diverse range of material culture that commands global attention.
Current Exhibitions
The Leonard A. Lauder Collection / The Cindy and Jay Pritzker Collection / Exquisite Corpus
Three major pre-auction exhibitions marking the opening of Sotheby's new headquarters, featuring collections valued at over $1 billion with works by Klimt, van Gogh, Matisse, Kahlo, Basquiat, and Cattelan.
Location
Contact Information
Address
945 Madison Avenue
Phone
(212) 606-7000