These auction houses have set records. They have captivated art enthusiasts and have shaped the art world for centuries. They offer premier platforms for buying and selling some of the most valuable and sought-after artworks.
For this ranking, we have narrowed down the list to the top 9 high-end auction houses, based on record sales in USD for individual artworks:
- Christie’s
- Sotheby’s
- Poly Auction
- Phillips
- China Guardian
- Bonhams
- Artcurial
- Heritage Auctions
- K Auction
1. Christie’s
Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is a world leader in art and luxury. Known for selling some of the most valuable and prestigious artworks, Christie’s has achieved record-breaking sales including the highest auction price ever with Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi. With a presence across London, New York, Paris, and Hong Kong, Christie’s combines historical prestige with modern innovations, offering online and private sales as well as live auctions. It specializes in fine art, jewelry, and collectibles. The company is owned by Groupe Artémis, which is part of the Pinault family holdings.
- Founded: 1766, by James Christie
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Ownership Status: Public company,Groupe Artémis (French holding company of François-Henri Pinault)
- Highest Auction: $450.3 million for Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci, 2016
- Global Presence: Yes, with locations in major cities across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Online Access: Extensive, with online auctions and private sales available globally.
- Focus: Fine art, rare collectibles, luxury items, high-value estates.
- Website: https://www.christies.com
2 . Sotheby’s
Founded in 1744 by Samuel Baker in London, Sotheby’s is renowned for its high-end art auctions and is a pioneer in luxury categories such as watches, wine, jewelry, and luxury sneakers. The company operates globally, with headquarters in New York and offices across major cities around the world. Owned by media mogul Patrick Drahi, Sotheby’s has maintained its influence with iconic auctions, including Modigliani’s Nu Couché. Known for innovations, Sotheby’s also offers private and online sales, making it a versatile choice for collectors.
- Founded: 1744, by Samuel Baker
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Ownership Status: Private company, Patrick Drahi (majority owner)
- Highest Auction: $157.2 million for Nu Couché by Amedeo Modigliani, 2018
- Global Presence: Yes, with offices and auction centers worldwide.
- Online Access: Strong online auction and private sales options, allowing global participation.
- Focus: Fine art, luxury goods, wine, jewelry, and rare collectibles.
- Website: https://www.sothebys.com
3. Poly Auction
Founded in 2005 in Beijing, China, Poly Auction has rapidly become a top player in the Asian market, specializing in Chinese and Asian modern and contemporary art. A subsidiary of the China Poly Group, this state-owned enterprise conducts high-profile sales from its bases in Mailand China, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Poly Auction’s sales regularly feature Chinese paintings, ceramics, antiques, rare books, and calligraphy, catering to a growing international interest in Asian art.
- Founded: 2005
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
- Ownership Status: Subsidiary of China Poly Group Corporation (Chinese state-owned enterprise)
- Highest Auction: $140.8 million (931.5 million yuan) fora set of Qi Baishi’s ink-brush panels, Twelve Landscape Screens, 2017
- Global Presence: Primarily Asia, with some international activity.
- Online Access: Some online auctions are accessible globally, but the focus remains mainly within Asia.
- Focus: Chinese and Asian art, antiques, and luxury items.
- Website: http://en.polypm.com.cn
4. Phillips
With origins in 1796, Phillips is distinguished by its focus on contemporary art, luxury watches, and photography. The auction house specializes in modern markets, connecting with younger collectors through sleek, high-energy sales in New York, London, and Hong Kong. Owned by Mercury Group, a Russian luxury retailer, Phillips has set notable records for works by Basquiat and other modern artists. Its commitment to 20th and 21st-century art has made it a leader in its niche.
- Founded: 1796, by Harry Phillips
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Ownership Status: Private company owned by Mercury Group
- Highest Auction: $110.5 million for Flexible by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 2017
- Global Presence: Limited but growing, focused on major art hubs.
- Online Access: Yes, with online auctions accessible internationally, especially for contemporary art and luxury items.
- Focus: Contemporary art, design, luxury watches, and photography.
- Website: https://www.phillips.com
5. China Guardian
Founded in 1993 in Beijing, China, China Guardian is – you guessed it – known for its expertise in Chinese art, including traditional paintings, ceramics, and calligraphy. With headquarters in Beijing, it has become a central player in the booming Asian art market and serves clients in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Associated with CITIC Group, China Guardian is a preferred auction house for those collecting Asian heritage pieces and art.
- Founded: 1993, by Chen Dongsheng
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
- Ownership Status: Privately owned, associated with CITIC Group
- Highest Auction: $65.5 million (425.5m yuan) for A Long Life, a Peaceful World ink painting by Qi Baishi, 2011
- Global Presence: Predominantly Asia.
- Online Access: Limited international reach online; mainly caters to the Asian market.
- Focus: Chinese art, calligraphy, ceramics, and antiques.
- Website: http://www.cguardian.com
6. Bonhams
Founded in 1793, Bonhams has a long-standing reputation in fine art and luxury auctions, including classic cars, jewelry, and antiques. Headquartered in London, it operates worldwide, from New York to Sydney. Owned by the private equity firm Epiris, Bonhams is notable for high-profile car auctions and celebrity collectibles, maintaining a strong connection to tradition while embracing modern auction platforms.
- Founded: 1793, by Thomas Dodd
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Ownership Status: Owned by Epiris LLP (British private equity firm)
- Highest Auction: $25 million (£19 million) for a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 racing car, 2013
- Global Presence: Yes, with branches in multiple continents.
- Online Access: Global online auction capabilities with broad international accessibility.
- Focus: Classic cars, antiques, jewelry, fine art, and collectibles.
- Website: https://www.bonhams.com
7. Artcurial
Established in 2002 and based in Paris, Artcurial is a leading European auction house with a unique focus on luxury cars, design, and contemporary art. Known for record-breaking car auctions and a curated selection of fine art and fashion, Artcurial merges classic French taste with a modern edge and operates in key locations such as Monaco and Milan. It is owned by the Dassault Group.
- Founded: 2002, by Nicolas Beurret and Emmanuel Bailly
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Ownership Status: Owned by Dassault Group
- Highest Auction: $15 million (€14.2 million) for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, previously owned by actor Alain Delon, 2015
- Global Presence: Primarily European, with some international reach.
- Online Access: Available online for international audiences, with most activity centered in Europe.
- Focus: Luxury cars, fine art, jewelry, fashion, and design.
- Website: https://www.artcurial.com
8. Heritage Auctions
Founded in 1976 in Dallas, Texas, Heritage Auctions is the largest auction house in the United States. It is focused on collectibles, from rare coins to vintage comic books and Civil War memorabilia. It is also known for record-breaking sales, like the first Action Comics #1. It operates in Dallas, New York, and Hong Kong, with strong Americana and historical memorabilia expertise.
- Founded: 1976, by James L. Halperin and Steve Ivy
- Headquarters: Dallas, USA
- Highest Auction: $6 million for an original copy of 1938’s Action Comics No. 1, 2024
- Ownership Status: Privately owned by James L. Halperin and Steve Ivy
- Global Presence: Primarily North America, with growing international activity.
- Online Access: Very accessible, with strong online auction options for global bidders, especially in collectibles.
- Focus: Rare comics, coins, historical memorabilia, and sports collectibles.
- Website: https://www.ha.com
9. K Auction
South Korea’s K Auction was founded in 2005. It is prominent in the modern and contemporary art scene, with a focus on Korean artists. Based in Seoul, it has successfully carved out a niche in the Asian art market, bringing Korean art to international audiences. Known for high-profile auctions featuring work by Kim Whanki and other Korean masters, K Auction is expanding its reach in Asian markets.
- Founded: 2005
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- Ownership Status: Public company
- Highest Auction: $4.7 million (6.6 billion KRW) for Tranquillity 5-IV-73 #310 by Kim Whanki, 2017
- Global Presence: Limited; primarily in South Korea and Asia.
- Online Access: Limited internationally; online access mainly caters to Asia.
- Focus: Korean modern and contemporary art.
- Website: http://www.k-auction.com