The Waldorf Astoria shut its doors in 2017 for a multi-year renovation that would convert the famous hotel into condos. Now, as the landmark plans to open its doors to reveal the redesign, items from the original property are about to hit the auction block next month.
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Kaminski Auctions announced that it would be hosting an auction of over 15,000 items from the famed Waldorf Astoria New York. There will be items from 142 Towers suites like 19th-century French furniture, blue John and Gilt candelabras, and an embroidered pillow featuring Queen Elizabeth's corgi, photos of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and the entry plaque to the Royal Suite. There will also be chandeliers, décor, and art from the Bull and Bear bar, Peacock Alley, and La Chine restaurant up for bidding.
"We're thrilled we can bring the opportunity to own a piece once displayed at the Waldorf Astoria New York to people across the world," said Frank Kaminski, CEO and Owner of Kaminski Auctions. "This auction is truly once in a lifetime with pieces from suites that celebrities, British royalty, U.S. Presidents and other world leaders have frequented."
While there will certainly be plenty of items available for auction, several are being kept out of the sale and displayed in the new hotel. For example, the Spirit of Achievement statue at the Park Avenue entrance, Cole Porter's 1907 Steinway grand piano, a John F. Kennedy rocking chair, and the 1893 World's Fair Clock have all been conserved and restored to be put on display again for guests. In fact, preservationists worked with the Waldorf Astoria New York to analyze and vet all the hotel's contents to identify important historical artifacts.
Proceeds from the auction will support St. Bartholomew's Conservancy, whose mission is to restore and preserve the exteriors and gardens of St. Bartholomew's Church and Community House, which is located across from the hotel.
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"We are grateful for our neighbor's continued generosity and fellow landmark Waldorf Astoria New York," said Carole Bailey French, President of St. Bartholomew's Conservancy in a statement to us. "An auction of this magnitude will have a significant impact on our restoration efforts of St. Bartholomew's Church."
In-person previews at 2 Galleria Drive in Taunton, Massachusetts, and online bidding through KaminskiLIVE, Live Auctioneers, and Invaluable will begin on October 3. The two-week live auction will launch on October 17.
