H&dM to Renovate Breuer Building for Sotheby’s Global Headquarters

NEW YORK, U.S.A. – Herzog & de Meuron will lead the design process to renovate and transform New York’s iconic Breuer Building into Sotheby’s global headquarters.

Located at 945 Madison Avenue, the Breuer Building carries significant historical weight. After studying the building as it was originally designed by Marcel Breuer in the 1960s and comparing it with its current state, we will focus on reinstating the architect’s original vision while adapting it to the needs of Sotheby’s, the neighborhood, and the city today.

“The Breuer Building is an amazing architectural icon of postwar modernism which we—like all architects — have always admired.

Since our early work in the 1970s, we have always placed great importance on working with existing buildings, not only from a sustainability perspective but also as a conscious engagement with structures from another era that need to be prepared for the future – catering to different users and programs. This engagement becomes more and more relevant for any existing structure anywhere in the world, but even more so for cultural landmarks.

Similar to our work on the Park Avenue Armory project, we will be approaching the Breuer project with excitement and with respect for its original vision. By reviving lost spaces, carefully inserting new ones and making other subtle interventions with a considered palette of materials, the building will be prepared for its new role in the auction world—and will also be more accessible again for visitors and the people of New York.” – Jacques Herzog

As the lead design consultants, Herzog & de Meuron will work in partnership with New York-based PBDW Architects, who have been appointed as the architects of record.

Works on site will begin in 2025.

Links:

Sotheby’s Press Release