Bonhams, world-renowned heritage auction house, is taking over one of New York’s most storied landmarks, Steinway Hall, relocating their U.S. headquarters to 111 West 57th street. The space will serve as not just an auction house, but a dynamic cultural destination hosting free exhibitions, installations and marquee auctions. This marks a new chapter in Bonhams’ 230 year history.

The auction house’s restoration spans 42,000 square feet and will include a variety of spaces to support their wide range of categories, some of which include large-scale objects. With 4 floors, the headquarters will include work spaces, two auction rooms, professional photography studios and a centralized warehouse. The auction house considers itself stewards of the 1925 building, which originally served as the headquarters for piano makers Steinway & Sons and was designed by the same architects responsible for Grand Central Station. 

To celebrate the relocation and expansion of Bonhams’ US presence, the auction house is showcasing objects like an original 1910 piano played by Sir Elton John, as well as hosting performances. In addition, major artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries will be exhibited for opening celebrations.

The preserved limestone facade, hand-painted mosaics inside a domed reception hall are only a few highlights of the neoclassical building that was restored, mostly by hand under the JDS Developmental Group. Interiors by Gensler embrace the original contrast within the building's materials. An 80-foot glass atrium soars upward at the heart of the building, while four neutral areas submerged in natural light will serve as exhibition spaces. Interior designer Nada Sawires embraced Steinway Hall’s Beaux-Arts rotunda. With bespoke glass pieces and rich velvet textures, the showroom is ornate and grandiose. 

With this restoration, Bonhams hopes to elevate their cultural programming and collector experience. “The new HQ will set a new tone for Bonhams, as we transform our offering to the U.S. market.” says Lilly Chan, Managing Director at Bonham’s U.S. “We’re proud to be joining 57th Street’s cultural corridor that will enable us to scale our ambitions to greater heights.”