Christie's
The world's leading auction house, selling art and luxury since 1766.
Christie's Auction House: The World's Leading Art Business
Founded in 1766 by James Christie in London, Christie's has grown into the world's largest and most recognized auction house, orchestrating the sale of masterpieces, rare jewels, and coveted collectibles for over 250 years. With principal salerooms in London's King Street and Rockefeller Center in New York, alongside a global network spanning Hong Kong, Geneva, Paris, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Shanghai, Christie's commands an unrivaled presence in the international art market.
A Legacy of Record-Breaking Sales
Christie's has presided over some of the most consequential sales in auction history. In November 2017, the house sold Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi for $450.3 million, the highest price ever achieved for a work of art at auction. The sale of the Paul Allen Collection in November 2022, which realized over $1.6 billion across a single evening and day sale, set the record for the most valuable auction series ever held. These landmark moments underscore Christie's ability to attract the finest consignments and the world's most discerning collectors.
Beyond headline-grabbing totals, Christie's consistently leads the market in categories as diverse as Old Masters, Impressionist and Modern art, Post-War and Contemporary art, Asian art, jewelry, watches, wine, handbags, and even luxury real estate through Christie's International Real Estate.
Buyer's Premium and Fee Structure
Christie's charges a buyer's premium on the hammer price of each lot. As of 2024, the standard tiered premium is approximately 26% on the first $1,000,000, 20% on the portion between $1,000,001 and $6,000,000, and 14.5% on any amount exceeding $6,000,000. These rates may vary by sale and location. Sellers negotiate consignment terms privately, but overhead charges, insurance, and cataloging fees may apply depending on the property and sale format.
Digital Innovation and Online Sales
Christie's has embraced digital transformation with vigor. The house launched Christie's LIVE in 2006, enabling real-time online bidding alongside the traditional saleroom. In recent years, online-only sales have become a significant revenue stream, attracting a younger, tech-savvy clientele. Christie's was also among the first major auction houses to sell a purely digital artwork as an NFT when Beeple's Everydays: The First 5000 Days realized $69.3 million in March 2021.
Private Sales and Advisory Services
In addition to public auctions, Christie's operates a robust private sales division, facilitating discreet transactions for clients who prefer confidentiality. The house also offers art advisory, appraisal, and estate planning services, positioning itself as a full-service partner for collectors, institutions, and fiduciaries.
| Feature | Christie's | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1766 | Varies |
| Global Salerooms | 12+ locations worldwide | 3–5 locations |
| Buyer's Premium (first tier) | ~26% | 25–28% |
| Online Bidding | Yes (Christie's LIVE) | Most major houses |
| Private Sales | Yes, dedicated division | Select houses only |
| Annual Sales Volume | $6–8 billion+ | Under $1 billion |
| NFT/Digital Art Sales | Pioneered major NFT sales | Limited adoption |
Why Consign or Buy at Christie's
For sellers, Christie's offers access to the deepest pool of qualified buyers on the planet, backed by sophisticated marketing, global exhibition tours, and scholarly cataloging. For buyers, the Christie's guarantee of authenticity and condition reporting provides confidence. The house's specialists are among the most experienced in their fields, and the prestige associated with a Christie's provenance adds tangible value to any collection.
Whether you are acquiring your first work of art, selling an inherited estate, or building a world-class collection, Christie's remains the benchmark against which all other auction houses are measured.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register to bid online at christies.com by creating an account and providing valid identification and a credit card. For in-person bidding, you may register at the saleroom on the day of the auction or in advance. Some high-value sales may require a deposit or financial reference before a paddle is issued.
Christie's charges a tiered buyer's premium: approximately 26% on the first $1,000,000 of the hammer price, 20% on the portion from $1,000,001 to $6,000,000, and 14.5% on any amount above $6,000,000. These rates are subject to change and may vary by sale location.
Yes. You can submit items for evaluation through Christie's website or by contacting a specialist directly. The house accepts consignments across all major collecting categories. A specialist will assess your property and, if suitable, propose terms including estimated value, reserve price, and seller's commission.
Christie's provides complimentary auction estimates for items being considered for consignment. For formal written appraisals used for insurance, tax, or estate purposes, the house charges a professional fee through its appraisal division, Christie's Appraisals.
Christie's employs in-house specialists, conservators, and researchers who examine every lot. The house provides condition reports and provenance documentation. Christie's also offers a limited guarantee of authenticity: if a lot is later proven to be a forgery, the buyer may return it for a full refund within a specified period, typically five years from the date of sale.
Fee Information
Typically 26% up to $1M, 20% on portion $1M–$6M, 14.5% above $6M
Negotiable; contact directly
Source: Official website
Notable Sales
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