Understand the art world from all angles through a survey of art history, the art market, and the vibrant contemporary cultural scene of New York City.
Students enrolled in this Exploration course will survey the fields of art history, art business, and contemporary art, focusing on the complex and dynamic art scene in New York City today. Through visits to the city’s premier art institutions, students will gain unique insight into how art is conceptualized, created and traded in the epicenter of the global art industry. Behind-the-scenes access to museums, galleries, auction houses, and artists’ studios will offer students exclusive new perspectives into the fascinating choreography of the contemporary art market.
Designed and led by industry experts, our Exploration courses focus on the intersectionality between topics. This dynamic learning experience balances lectures, site visits, and world-class guest speakers to engage students in an exploration of their interests and foster their curiosity around a diverse selection of subject material. Our multidisciplinary and hands-on approach to learning encourages students to sample different fields and employ critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
Site Visits
Visits will include a combination of trips to major New York City art museums and galleries, as well as artists’ studios and other places related to art history, art business, and contemporary art.
In the past, site visits have included:
- Sotheby’s auction house
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Museum of Modern Art
- The Whitney Museum of American Art
- Galleries, such as Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth
- Art neighborhoods such as Chelsea, Bushwick, and Tribeca
- Contemporary artist studios
Guest Speakers
Students will hear firsthand from art historians, gallerists, and art business professionals about the topics that shape our understanding of art history and art business.
In the past, guest speakers have included:
- Museum curators and educators
- Auction house experts
- Gallerists
- Art critics
- Artists
Materials Fee: $245
Health Fee: $100
Please note: This information is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
