Waldorf Astoria Hotel to Auction Thousands of Fine Furnishings

All gallery images courtesy of Kaminski Auctions

In preparation for a complete renovation, the historic Waldorf Astoria hotel is planning to auction over 15,000 fine furnishings. Hosted by Kaminski Auctions, the event includes items such as Waldorf Astoria’s 19th-century French furniture, art, chandeliers, and décor from the famous Bull and Bear bar, La Chine restaurant, and Peacock Alley. There are also items from the famous Waldorf Astoria suites, like the Winston Churchill Suite, the Windsor Suite (for the Duke of Windsor Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson,  the Cole Porter Suite (the composer’s Steinway piano was also once in the hotel), and more. The two-week live auction begins tomorrow, although online bidding began on October 3rd. You can see the items on auction here!

Inside the former Presidential Suite

“Many of the pieces for auction have been a witness to history, and we are excited to see them find new life in the homes of avid collectors,” Andrew Miller, CEO of Dajia US, the owner and developer of Waldorf Astoria New York, stated in a news release. Some of the interesting items we found of note include historic photographs of Marilyn Monroe and a Cartier grandfather clock that was once in the Presidential Suite (used by sixteen U.S. Presidents!).

Inside the Royal Suite

Proceeds from the auction will go to St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to restore and preserve the exteriors of St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House. “From one New York City landmark to another, we are extremely happy that St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy will receive the proceeds in support of their valuable work,” Miller said in the news release.

The Frank Sinatra Suite

The legendary hotel on Park Avenue opened in 1931 and has been the destination for world leaders and society’s top elites. It closed in March 2017 for renovations into condos and is slated to open in 2022 and 2023 as a 375-hotel room operation along with 375 residences.

Next, see a preview of the new Waldorf Astoria from our visit earlier this spring, discover the top 15 secrets of the Waldorf Astoria hotel, and find out where you can see the famous lobby clock now!