Explore the three major pillars of the art world—museums, galleries, and auction houses—and get an insider’s look at how each influences the dynamic global art scene.
Students enrolled in this Exploration course will survey museums, galleries, and auction houses and gain a new understanding of the connection between art and the venues where it is sold. In this course, students will visit many of the magnificent art establishments of New York City, one of the world’s most dynamic cultural epicenters, offering endless opportunities for students to discuss, critique, and observe how art lives in its most important institutions. This course will also explore how these three businesses are evolving and using new technology to meet the demands of an increasingly virtual world.
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 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 architectural monuments, as well as galleries and auction houses.
In the past, site visits have included:
- Sotheby’s auction house
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Museum of Modern Art
- The Frick Collection
- Swann Auction Galleries
- Top galleries, such as David Zwirner, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth
Guest Speakers
Students will hear firsthand from museum curators, auction house specialists, and gallerists about the topics that shape our understanding of how museums, auction houses, and galleries operate on the both the local and global art world stage.
In the past, guest speakers have included:
- Museum curators
- Museum registrars
- Art dealers
- Gallerists
- Auction house specialists
- Art lawyers
- 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.