The Dorotheum building is an impressive, neobaroque palace that is an attraction for Viennese natives and visitors from abroad alike. Not only the palace is exquisite, it is also the oldest auction house in the World (more than 300 years) and the biggest one in Continental Europe.

It is considered as part of the Austrian identity, as dear to the Viennese as the St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Fiaker horse carriages or many of the cafes everywhere around town.

The Dorotheum was constructed at the end of the 19th Century after Emperor Franz Joseph gave the order to build this stunning palace on the same land of the former Dorotheer Monastery (hence the name Dorotheum today). It held its opening ceremony in 1901 and has since then been an important landmark in Vienna. During World War II, the building was heavily damaged, but it was fortunately entirely rebuilt and reconstructed by Count Erich Kielmansegg and can today be admired in its former splendor again.

The incredible amount of 600 auctions is held in the Dorotheum every year and they are open to the public at all times. Which means that you will not only be able to experience auctions here daily, but also admire and view wonderful paintings, antiques, jewelry, furniture, design pieces and many other works of art from various centuries in the same place, at the same time - the Dorotheum is a unique environment in this respect!

The top highlights are of course the dedicated 'Auction Weeks' that are organized here 4 times a year here (check our Events Section for further information). The atmosphere is exciting; the pieces auctioned exquisite do not miss it if you are in town! Just to give you an example: For the painting 'Man between virtue and vice,' by Frans Francken II, the world record price was reached at € 7.02 million in 2010!

If you cannot make the 'Auction Weeks' there is no need to be disappointed. You can attend the many other smaller auctions organized daily, or wander around the regular art exhibitions to be seen here. You will be able to see and buy exquisite and beautiful varieties of works of art: among them incredible paintings, antiques, rare collectibles, etc.... you will see, the Dorotheum will be a real highlight during your stay in Vienna.