The secrets of the Dorotheum

Come with us on a tour of the Palais Dorotheum. As one of the oldest and most renowned auction houses in the world, this Viennese institution looks back on over 300 years of auction history. Your guide worked there for many years. Immerse yourself with him in the exciting world of art auctions.

Tour description:

Going once, going twice, sold! You’ve probably heard that before, at least on television. On this tour you will learn first-hand everything you need to know about art auctions. You’ll see the historic rooms of an impressive 1900s palace on our tour of the Dorotheum auction house in Vienna, all accompanied by facts and stories about auctioning. What was the most expensive painting ever auctioned at the Dorotheum? Which teddy bear is worth EUR 18,900 and has imperial underwear really been auctioned? Experience entertaining hours in the largest auction house in the German-speaking world by far.

Tour highlights:

  • You will learn about the more than 300-year history of the house
  • You will visit the historical rooms of the auction house
  • You will visit the current exhibitions
  • You will learn how an auction works and how you can have something sold
    at auction
  • You will gain an insight into restitution and provenance research.
  • A Dorotheum goodie bag as a farewell gift

Why this tour?

Your guide has worked for the Dorotheum auction house for 17 years. He knows the Palais, its history and stories like few others. This tour through the venerable house offers plenty new, interesting and entertaining, even for most Viennese.

Important details:

Tour time: Please check the schedule on the right side of the screen to see the tour’s availability.
Duration: The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Guide: Our Guide Robert will guide you on this exciting tour through the Dorotheum. See our full team of guides here.
Children: This tour is excellent for children who love stories, secrets and history.
Accessibility: This tour is wheelchair accessible.
What to wear: Comfortable shoes! Also, always check the weather forecast in advance to wear fitting clothes. The tour will take places indoors but we want to make sure your way to and from the tour is comfortable as well.

Tour conditions:

Minimum number of participants: The tour takes place if at least 8 people are registered. In case there aren’t enough participants, we will unfortunately have to cancel tour and issue you a full refund.

Cancellation policy: You can cancel your booking up to 48 hours in advance. No refund will be given to those who cancel less than 48 hours before the tour. Certain exceptions apply such as emergency situations. Please note, we reserve the right to cancel the tour up to 48 hours in advance too. We will do so if our guide is unavailable due to a sudden change or if we do not have the minimum number of participants required for the tour.

Pictures and videos: Please be aware that we might take photos and videos during the tour. If you don’t want to appear in any Secret Vienna promotional pictures, please let us know by sending us a message.

Copyrights: The content of the tour is the result of the hard work done by our team of licensed guides. Therefore, recording the tour or taking pictures of artefacts and material used by the guide is strictly forbidden.

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