Artcurial
France's leading auction house, renowned for classic cars, art, and luxury.
Artcurial: France's Leading Auction House
Artcurial is the largest and most prominent French auction house, headquartered at the prestigious Hôtel Marcel Dassault on the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Founded in 2002 by Nicolas Orlowski and backed by the Dassault Group, the house rose rapidly to dominate the French auction market through a combination of strategic innovation, strong specialist departments, and a prime location at the heart of the Parisian art world.
Origins and Evolution
The Artcurial name predates the auction house. In 1975, François Dalle, then CEO of L'Oréal, established the Artcurial gallery at 9, Avenue Matignon as a gallery, bookstore, and art publisher. For nearly three decades, it published works by some seventy artists. In 2001, Nicolas Orlowski acquired the gallery from L'Oréal and recruited three seasoned auctioneers—Francis Briest, Hervé Poulain, and Rémy Le Fur—to launch a full-service auction house under the same name. The timing was deliberate: France had just deregulated its auction market, ending the centuries-old monopoly of state-appointed auctioneers, and Artcurial moved swiftly to claim the newly opened ground.
What Artcurial Is Known For
While Artcurial covers the traditional fine art categories—impressionist, modern, and contemporary art, Old Masters, jewelry, and watches—it has distinguished itself through specialties that set it apart from competitors. The Artcurial Motorcars department, launched in 2010 under the leadership of Matthieu Lamoure, has become one of the world's leading classic car auction operations, holding landmark sales at Rétromobile in Paris and during the Monaco Grand Prix. The house also pioneered dedicated departments for design, street art, and luxury accessories—categories that many traditional houses were slow to embrace.
| Department | Notable Focus | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Artcurial Motorcars | Classic and collector cars | Rétromobile, Le Mans Classic, Monaco |
| Modern & Contemporary Art | Post-war, abstract, street art | Bi-annual Paris sales |
| Jewelry & Watches | High jewelry, haute horlogerie | Monaco, Paris, online |
| Design | 20th-century furniture, lighting | Dedicated Paris auctions |
| Wine & Spirits | Fine Bordeaux, Burgundy, rare spirits | Regular Paris sales |
| Luxury & Fashion | Hermès, vintage couture, accessories | Seasonal Paris sales |
How Artcurial Works
Consignors can request a free appraisal online or by appointment at one of Artcurial's offices in Paris, Monaco, Brussels, Milan, Munich, or Vienna. Items accepted for sale are catalogued by in-house specialists, exhibited at preview events, and offered in live auctions with simultaneous online bidding. For classic cars, buyer's premiums are typically 16% plus VAT on lots up to €900,000 and 12% plus VAT above that threshold, though rates vary by category and location. Artcurial also offers private sales for clients seeking discretion.
Who Should Use Artcurial
Artcurial is the natural choice for sellers and buyers operating in the French and broader European market, particularly those dealing in classic automobiles, modern and contemporary art, luxury goods, and jewelry. Its strong presence in Monaco makes it especially relevant for collectors in the Riviera circuit. Estates with diverse collections—combining art, jewelry, wine, and decorative objects—will benefit from Artcurial's ability to handle all categories under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While Artcurial is France's leading auction house, it handles international art and objects from all periods and origins. Its clientele and consignors come from across Europe and worldwide, and it maintains offices in several European cities beyond Paris.
Artcurial Motorcars is a dedicated department that conducts classic car auctions at major automotive events including Rétromobile in Paris, Le Mans Classic, and during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. Consignors submit vehicles for specialist evaluation, and accepted cars are exhibited before being offered at live auction.
Yes. Artcurial offers live online bidding through its website for most sales. You can also place absentee bids in advance or arrange to bid by telephone for significant lots.
Artcurial is a subsidiary of the Dassault Group, the French industrial conglomerate. It was founded and is chaired by Nicolas Orlowski, who has led the company since its inception in 2002.
Yes. In addition to its public auction program, Artcurial facilitates private sales for clients who prefer discretion or wish to sell outside the auction calendar. Contact their specialist departments directly to discuss private sale options.
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