Opened in 1966, this iconic building is the work of the Hungarian architect Marcel Breuer and one of the most important and well-known works of Brutalist architecture. The structure, known as The Breuer Building, was originally designed to house The Whitney Museum of American Art's collection and has since served as a temporary venue for The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Frick Collection.
“We often refer to the provenance of artwork, and in the case of The Breuer, there is no history richer than the museum which has housed the Whitney, Metropolitan and Frick collections,” highlights Chief Executive Officer Charles F. Stewart, noting his respect for the architectural landmark.
Following the completion of The Frick's restoration project on its East 70th Street mansion, custodianship of The Breuer Building will be passed on to Sotheby's in September 2024, where it will establish its new global headquarters at 945 Madison Avenue. The five-story modernist structure will be transformed into a dynamic space, offering new space for galleries and exhibitions, providing free public access as of the following year.
This acquisition represents a significant milestone in Sotheby's expansion plans, which include the opening of Gantry Point, an operational facility in Long Island City, as well as the inauguration of new flagship galleries in Hong Kong's Chater House and Paris.
Anna Savage
