ACTION CAR Rental

Car Rentals In New York City and Christies Auction House

Regional Information

Theatre and Art

Christie's Auction House is a world-famous auction house founded in London in 1766 by a James Christie. It soon established itself as the lead auction house in London and became a large part of international trade after the French Revolution.

While Christie's main salesroom is on King Street in London, there is an action house you can visit while you are in New York with your car rental in New York City. Some of the notable auctions they have held in the past include the artwork and personal possessions of figures such as Picasso, Rembrandt, Princess Diana, Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Marilyn Monroe. In 1998, Christie's in New York sold the famous Archimedes Palimpsest, from the third century B.C.

Interestingly, which you may learn when you visit with your car rental in New York City, Christie's is the only major auction house that runs educational programs at the Master's, Diploma, and Degree level. It is a unique education that offers courses in the fine and decorative arts for professionals and those with a keen interest in it.

Did you know?

The sign you see as you drive by Christie's today in your car rental in New York City was created by Nancy Meyers during the production of the movie Something's Gotta Give. The auction house liked it so much that they asked for it after filming stopped.

Buying an item... or two

If you are visiting the auction in person with your car rental in New York City and may purchase something, then you need to register and collect a numbered paddle before the auction begins. You will also need government-issued proof of identity to prove who you are. For your first time, you will also be asked more personal information in order to create an account with Christie's.

When you want to place a bid, you only need to raise your paddle until the auctioneer acknowledges you. Don't worry, they won't mistake a gesture for a bid. Increments for bidding are decided by the auctioneer, and do not normally exceed ten percent of the previous bid. The final bidder gets the item, or the lot. Each lot has a previously decided minimum selling price. If it does not meet that price, then it goes unsold. All purchases are subject to taxes. You may pay with cash, subject to legal restrictions, check, money order or wire transfer. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted, but not at all locations.

Today, auctions have changed dramatically with the invention of the internet. Few people know what it is like to experience an auction such as those held at Christie's. They think what happens in the movies happens in a real auction. That is not the case. By coming with your car rental in New York City to observe one, you may find it a lot more exciting and a lot less stuffy than you expect. Wouldn't you enjoy seeing someone buy a piece of artwork for millions? The thrill would be exhilarating!