Artcurial

“A splash of L’Oréal and a dash of Dassault.” That’s the secret recipe behind Artcurial. This auction house, right here at the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, isn’t your typical dusty antique shop. Artcurial was born in 1975. It was the brainchild of François Dalle, the man who made L’Oréal a household name. He started it as a gallery, bookstore, and publisher of art. Imagine Arman, Sonia Delaunay, even Giorgio de Chirico – Artcurial published their works. Then, in 2002, a transformation. Nicolas Orlowski, backed by the Dassault family, acquired Artcurial. They saw an opportunity with the changing French auction laws. They turned Artcurial into the powerhouse auction house it is today. Artcurial found its home in the former Hôtel d’Espeyran. This stunning building dates back to 1888 and once belonged to the Dassault family. It stands proudly at the corner of Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne. The building itself is a work of art. It boasts 2,000 square meters dedicated to showcasing the treasures up for auction. Artcurial hosts over a hundred auctions annually, primarily in Paris and Monaco. Everything from paintings and sculptures to vintage cars, jewelry, and even comics finds a place under its elegant roof. Artcurial’s specialists meticulously craft catalogs, available weeks before each sale. They also offer expert appraisals, carefully evaluating potential treasures. And if you’re a bookworm, Artcurial has a treat for you. Their international art bookstore is open to the public. It’s a haven for rare and out-of-print books, offering an impressive collection of exhibition catalogs and monographs. Designed by Charles Zana, it’s a beautiful space to browse. There’s even a café where you can relax with a drink and your latest literary find. So, next time you’re strolling down the Champs-Élysées, remember Artcurial. It’s more than just an auction house. It’s a vibrant hub of art, history, and culture, waiting to be explored.