AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQAuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYC
In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
The historic Steinway Hall rotunda, depicted in a rendering above, once served as Steinway & Sons’ showroom and reception hall. With interior design by Nada Sawires of Design X Nada, it is being transformed into an intimate exhibition space as part of Bonhams’ new flagship.
New York—Bonhams is set to open its new U.S. headquarters in New York City next year on Feb. 9, 2026.
It is moving to 111 West 57th Street, the former Steinway Hall, from its current location on Madison Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets.
Steinway Hall was constructed on 57th Street in 1925 as piano makers Steinway & Sons’ headquarters, designed by Warren & Wetmore, the architects of Grand Central Station.
In 2013, JDS Development Group bought the building and later began restoration, preserving the exterior limestone facade bearing the Steinway name and the historic domed reception hall that will serve as an intimate exhibition space for the auction house.
The interiors were designed by global practice Gensler, known for notable New York projects including Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, The New York Times Building, and the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn Heights.
Gensler’s design celebrates contrast, melding the limestone and brick of the historic Steinway Hall with modern finishes and materials.
The exhibition space, pictured at the top of the article, features interior design by Nada Sawires of Design X Nada.
It takes cues from the original Beaux-Arts rotunda, featuring a series of bespoke pieces made from glass, stone, and liquid metals accented by soft suedes and rich velvets.
An adjacent 80-foot atrium will house Bonhams’ grand reception and main lobby.
It is moving to 111 West 57th Street, the former Steinway Hall, from its current location on Madison Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets.
Steinway Hall was constructed on 57th Street in 1925 as piano makers Steinway & Sons’ headquarters, designed by Warren & Wetmore, the architects of Grand Central Station.
In 2013, JDS Development Group bought the building and later began restoration, preserving the exterior limestone facade bearing the Steinway name and the historic domed reception hall that will serve as an intimate exhibition space for the auction house.
The interiors were designed by global practice Gensler, known for notable New York projects including Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, The New York Times Building, and the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn Heights.
Gensler’s design celebrates contrast, melding the limestone and brick of the historic Steinway Hall with modern finishes and materials.
The exhibition space, pictured at the top of the article, features interior design by Nada Sawires of Design X Nada.
It takes cues from the original Beaux-Arts rotunda, featuring a series of bespoke pieces made from glass, stone, and liquid metals accented by soft suedes and rich velvets.
An adjacent 80-foot atrium will house Bonhams’ grand reception and main lobby.
The Steinway rotunda, located at the base of Steinway Hall (left), connects to the adjacent glass atrium.
A rendering depicting Bonhams’ lobby and the entrance to the Steinway rotunda. Rendering by Daria Ryvkina
The lobby features a grand staircase, as seen in this rendering, that leads to a gallery and auction rooms. Rendering by Daria Ryvkina
Inside, a grand staircase leads to a natural light-filled, triple-height gallery complete with two large auction rooms.
Warm white oak finishes throughout provide a calm, neutral backdrop, the auction house said, allowing visitors to focus on the art and objects.
Bonhams said it seeks to move beyond the traditional auction house model to become “a dynamic cultural destination, designed to inspire discovery and engagement.”
The 42,000-square-foot space is 30 percent bigger than Bonhams’ Madison Avenue location.
It includes a variety of exhibition spaces to accommodate large-scale objects, site-specific works, and special installations across the auction house’s more than 60 categories, including fine art, design, jewelry, cars, and pop culture.
“The new [headquarters] will set a new tone for Bonhams, as we transform our offering to the U.S. market,” said Lilly Chan, managing director at Bonhams U.S.
“The journey to opening in 2026 is defined by significant investment in Bonhams’ future here in New York, enabling us to create a destination that blends heritage with innovation. We’re proud to be joining 57th Street’s cultural corridor that will enable us to scale our ambitions to greater heights.”
The space will also accommodate Bonhams’ full New York workforce, it said.
“The new U.S. flagship is a key development for Bonhams’ global expansion, demonstrating the importance of our U.S. audiences as we future-proof for an ever-changing market,” said Seth Johnson, Bonhams CEO.
“As a 230-year-old auction house, Bonhams is committed to upholding and preserving heritage through fostering greater public access, richer programming, and enhanced collector engagement.”
Bonhams said it will inaugurate its new home with an array of objects that celebrate the new multipurpose space, as well as its unique ability to converge art, culture, and heritage.
As part of its opening celebrations, an original 1910 Steinway & Sons piano used by Sir Elton John will be on display ahead of auctions and will host a series of guest performances.
Major works of 20th and 21st Century art and design will be exhibited, including an exhibition of Modern Cuban painters, Bonhams said.
The 2026 calendar will also include special programming for Asia Week New York in March and the Marquee Fine Art Auctions in May.
More details on inaugural programming will be released later, with updates available on Bonhams’ website.
More on Auctions
The Latest
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
