Koller Auctions

Koller Auctions is Switzerland's foremost auction house and one of the most important independent auction firms in Europe. Founded in 1958 by Pierre Koller, a Zurich attorney with a passion for fine art and antiques, the firm has evolved over six decades from a gallery dealing in paintings and decorative arts into a full-service auction house with global reach, conducting approximately 80 saleroom and online auctions annually across 20 distinct collecting categories. Pierre Koller established the Galerie Koller in Zurich in 1958, initially dealing in fine arts and antiques through private sales and gallery exhibitions. Over time, the business shifted increasingly toward auction sales, and by 2008 the firm formally rebranded as Koller Auctions Ltd. (Koller Auktionen AG) to reflect the primacy of the auction business. Today, the company remains family-managed, preserving the personal commitment and long-term perspective that distinguish independent firms from their corporate competitors. From its Zurich headquarters, Koller conducts a comprehensive program of specialist auctions that spans an exceptionally wide range of categories. The major departments include Old Master and Nineteenth-Century Paintings and Drawings, Modern and Contemporary Art, Swiss Art, Photography, Furniture, Silver, Porcelain, Books and Autographs, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Design, Wine, Vintage, Jewelry, Watches, and Asian Art. Each department is overseen by a dedicated team of specialists, ensuring depth of expertise across the board. The Swiss Art department is a particular strength, reflecting Koller's position as the dominant domestic auction house. The firm regularly handles important works by leading Swiss artists, from the Old Masters through to contemporary practitioners, and Swiss collectors regard Koller as the natural first choice for acquiring and disposing of Swiss material. The Old Master and Modern Art departments draw international consignments and attract bidders from more than 50 countries across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The auction calendar is anchored by major catalogued sales held in spring and autumn, multi-day events that bring together the finest consignments across all departments. These sales are supplemented by a busy schedule of online-only auctions, specialist sales, and themed events throughout the year. The online platform supports both timed sales and live online bidding during saleroom auctions, ensuring global accessibility. Koller maintains an international network of representative offices in Germany, Italy, and other markets, facilitating consignment sourcing and client service across Europe. The firm also has connections in China and Russia, reflecting the increasingly global composition of the art market buyer base. For sellers, the consignment process at Koller is thorough and professional. Valuations are available at the Zurich premises, at representative offices, or through online submission. The specialist team provides estimates based on current market conditions and art-historical research. All cataloguing, photography, condition reporting, and marketing are handled by the firm, with consignments presented in high-quality printed and online catalogues. Commission rates are competitive and are discussed at the time of consignment; they may vary depending on the value, category, and nature of the property. Buyers can participate in Koller's sales in person at Zurich, by telephone, by absentee bid, or through the online platform. For live online bidding in classic auctions, an additional fee of 3 percent of the hammer price applies. A buyer's premium is charged on all purchases, and Swiss VAT is applied to the premium. The specific premium rate is published in the conditions of sale for each auction. Koller's position in Switzerland is strategically significant. Zurich is one of the world's major financial centers, with a concentration of high-net-worth individuals and institutional collectors that supports a vibrant art market. Switzerland's favorable regulatory and tax environment for art transactions adds to the appeal, and the country's central European location makes Zurich accessible to buyers and sellers across the continent. What distinguishes Koller in the European auction landscape is the combination of Swiss precision, independent family management, and comprehensive category coverage. The firm's 80 annual sales across 20 categories mean that collectors in virtually any field can find relevant material, while the quality of cataloguing and specialist expertise ensure that each sale is thoroughly researched and professionally presented. The family ownership structure provides continuity and a client-focused ethos that larger corporate houses can struggle to replicate. The firm's catalogues are a particular point of pride. Produced to a high standard of scholarship and design, they feature detailed descriptions, provenance histories, and condition information for each lot, supported by professional photography. Online catalogues are published well in advance of each sale, and the website provides a comprehensive results archive that is a valuable research tool for collectors and the trade. Koller also provides ancillary services including insurance and estate valuations, collection consulting, and private sale brokerage. The firm's specialists are available for consultation on collection strategy, market trends, and the optimal timing and format for disposals. For executors, trustees, and family offices managing significant collections, Koller's combination of Swiss discretion, specialist expertise, and international market access makes it an ideal partner. For anyone buying or selling fine art, antiques, jewelry, watches, books, or other collectibles in the Swiss and European markets, Koller Auctions offers a first-class service backed by more than six decades of experience and a truly international buyer network.