A legacy since 1744
Explore Sotheby’s legacy from 1744 to today — 280+ years of excellence in art, auctions, and global luxury real estate.
Over 280 years of excellence
For over 280 years, Sotheby’s has been the trusted name behind some of the world’s most valuable possessions. What began as an auction house for fine art and rare manuscripts has grown into a global authority in the luxury market.
In 1955, Sotheby’s became the first international auction house, expanding to New York, Hong Kong, France, and India, before launching Sotheby’s International Realty in 1976.
The Beginning
Sotheby’s first established its name as a seller of valuable books and manuscripts, including rare library collections and prized first editions. Its growing reputation quickly made it a national authority, with operations starting at the Exeter Exchange on London’s Strand. By 1917, Sotheby’s had found its enduring home on Bond Street in Mayfair—a move that cemented its place at the heart of London’s art and cultural scene.
A Period of Growth
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Throughout the Autumn of 1928, Sotheby's offered priceless Shakespeare relics for auction in London. Archive/SSPL/Getty Images.
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In July 1957, Sotheby's London sold the collection of Dutch banker William Weinberg. Queen Elizabeth II attended the preview, which attracted the attention of the media. Photo by Ullstein Bild via Getty Images
Sotheby’s International Realty is Founded
Going Global and Public
On May 2, 2012, Edvard Munch’s The Scream sold at Sotheby’s New York for $119,922,500, setting a new world record for any work of art at auction at the time. The sale cemented Sotheby’s reputation for presenting the most valuable and iconic masterpieces to the global market.
RM Sotheby’s is Founded in Canada
Dubai Sotheby's International Realty founded
- 100+ Expert Brokers
- Committed to exceptional results
- AED 40 Million Average
- 80% of our transactions on super-prime Dubai properties
- 15 Languages
- spoken across our diverse team
- 33M Visitors
- most visited luxury property website in the region
Sotheby's International Realty goes public on NYSE
Saudi Arabia Sotheby's International Realty founded
- 20+ Expert Brokers
- Committed to exceptional results
- 2 Luxury Retail Showrooms
- Al Faisaliyah Tower Riyadh, Raffles Residences Jeddah
- Strategic Alliances
- With leading financial institutions and global brands
United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty founded
- 40+ Expert Brokers
- Committed to exceptional results
- 637 Years
- of combined experience
- 10 Languages
- spoken across our diverse team
- UHNWIs
- long standing relationships in the region
A connection to heritage, excellence, and a world without boundaries.
Today, the Sotheby’s name is a mark of international credibility and quality—whether in the auction house or in a Sotheby’s International Realty showroom.