- History and visit to the Drouot-Richelieu auction house in Paris
- Discover the surroundings of the Drouot-Richelieu auction house in Paris
- Transfer by taxi shuttle to the Drouot-Richelieu auction house in Paris
History and Visit to the Hôtel des Ventes Drouot-Richelieu in Paris
The Drouot-Richelieu Auction House, or Hôtel Drouot, is an emblematic institution located at 9 rue Drouot, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Specializing in the public auction of works of art, this contemporary building was erected between 1976 and 1980 by architects Jean-Jacques Fernier and André Biro. Owned by the Drouot SA company, the hotel houses twenty-one rooms, including sixteen dedicated to art auctions, and involves around a hundred auctioneers. A privileged place of exchange between antique dealers, collectors and experts, it represents a major crossroads of the art market, both French and international.
Historically, public auctions took place at the seller’s home or in premises rented for the occasion. In the 19th century, with the creation of the Paris Chamber of Auctioneers, the profession organized itself and adopted a dress code. In 1807, faced with the difficulty of finding suitable premises for sales, the chamber acquired the Hôtel des Fermes on rue de Grenelle Saint-Honoré. However, the cramped space led to the purchase of the Bullion hotel on rue Platrière in 1817, which had six sales rooms. Paris then asserted itself as the capital of the art market. As space became insufficient, land was acquired in 1850 on which the new Drouot auction house would be built, inaugurated on June 1, 1852 with fourteen sales rooms.
Between 1976 and 1980, the Drouot hotel underwent major renovation and modernization work, asserting its place in the Parisian landscape. Open from Monday to Saturday, the hotel offers varied sales, often in the afternoon, and sometimes in the morning, evening or Sunday. The administrative services and sales rooms are spread over several floors, with facilities dedicated to packaging, catalogs, a cloakroom and toilets on the mezzanine floor, while the basements are used for storing lots. This complex structure ensures the smooth management of the multiple sales that take place there, captivating art lovers and professionals from around the world.
The Hôtel Drouot is not only a place of transaction, but also a living cultural space, witness to the trends of the art market and the history of the art objects that pass through its doors. Its notable sales, such as those of the Crown Jewels, the furniture of Émile Zola or the collection of Jacques Doucet, underline its central role in the dissemination of art and antiques. Visiting the Hôtel Drouot means diving into the beating heart of the Parisian art market, where each sale offers a new discovery.
Discover the surroundings of the Drouot-Richelieu auction house in Paris
The Drouot-Richelieu Auction House, located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, is an iconic landmark for art lovers and collectors from around the world. But beyond its fascinating auctions, there is a whole district that invites discovery. Just a few steps away, Passage Jouffroy offers a unique shopping experience in one of the oldest covered passages in Paris, home to antique shops, bookstores and a charming tea room.
Not far from there, the Grévin Museum fascinates young and old with its wax figures of celebrities and historical figures, in a sumptuous baroque style decor. For history buffs, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France – Richelieu site is a must-visit, offering a glimpse of literary treasures and rare manuscripts in a remarkable architectural setting.
Theater lovers will find what they are looking for at the Théâtre des Variétés, one of the oldest Parisian theaters, which offers a diverse program ranging from comedy to drama. Finally, for a relaxing break, Square Louvois seduces with its peaceful atmosphere and its sculptural fountain, offering a haven of peace in the middle of the urban hustle and bustle.
These curiosities, located near the Drouot-Richelieu auction house, make the district a place rich in culture and history, reflecting the diverse heritage of Paris.
Transfer by taxi shuttle to the Drouot-Richelieu auction house in Paris
Opt for a visit Paris and its surroundings in a prestigious car, booked with our team, and enjoy a most pleasant stay. You will be transported in comfortable and luxurious vehicles, ensuring an exceptional travel experience. The Hôtel des Ventes Drouot-Richelieu, located in the heart of Paris, is easily accessible from the main airports in the region: 21.3 km from Orly airport, 25.2 km from Roissy airport Charles de Gaulle and 85.6 km from Beauvais airport. These distances allow visitors to arrive comfortably at their destination and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of art auctions without delay.