This might sound kind of strange, but can you just "go" to Sotheby's or do you have to be attending an auction? Do they give any type of informational tours of the auction house? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

Don't know about tours, but both auction houses are open to the public virtually all the time.

Check the schedule at their websites to see what's "on view"... all items that are auctioned are put on display for at least a few days, about a week before the acutal auction. You can see a lot of museum-quality art up close and personal...for free...and there are usually experts on hand to answer questions about anything you see.

If you're into art, it's really neat because you see a lot of works by famous artists that you've probably never seen before because they're privately owned

David - thanks, this is exactly what I wanted to know! I will most certainly check the schedule and will make a point of visiting, it really would be a privilege to see some of the privately owned art work. Thanks again

You might check their websites and see what is coming up.You might get to sit in on an auction,which can be quite fun.

I live nearby Sothebys and pop in all the time. There's always something to see. Just ask at the front desk which floor to start on. Catch the lift up and walk down. There's a cafe to have coffee/lunch, and a proper restaurant - Bid - opened recently. Each floor has an area with comfy chairs and all the recent auction catalogues. It's a fun way to learn. Definitely go.

This sounds really great and I love the idea of the cafe & the restaurant. One more question just so I don't make a fool of myself, Kate: When I ask at the front desk which floor to start on - what do I say? "Where's the stuff" just doesn't seem to be the right thing - LOL. Are there preview objects on each floor? or are some of the florrs reference areas? Sorry to ask, but I've never been there . . .

You just go up to the front desk, after the security check of course, which they started doing after 9/11, and ask what there is to see today. Simple as that. They change everything around all the time, so just look around everywhere. There's a directory in each lift, so check that out, go to the highest floor and walk down the escalators. It's not that big, so you'll be able to tell straight away if there's anything to see on any particular floor. There's usually lots of staff and security people around, so don't be afraid to ask. Some of them are volunteers doing one of the courses on offer. And remember to pick a copy of the current preview catalogue - lovely big glossy magazine - they're usually stacked on tables everywhere. They're free. Have fun!

Thanks to Kate & David. We'll be there in April and will be able to see the "previews" of European Furniture & Decorations from the Levin Estate, and plan to stop into the cafe for a coffee. Although we've been to NYC several time, this is "new" for us. Thanks for all the information!

Anyone know the address for Sotheby's in Manhattan?

www.sothebys.com

Sorry-I cut myself off too soon Here you go_


Sotheby's
1334 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 606-7000
1 (800) 444-3709
www.sothebys.com