NEW YORK – Sotheby’s New York headquarters recently underwent a renovation that expanded our exhibition spaces throughout the building. Hundreds of works from our May sales now line the walls of our new galleries on floors 2 through 10, but an area of the fourth floor is currently dedicated to a pop-up Members’ Lounge for Sotheby’s Preferred clients. In partnership with the Baccarat Hotel in midtown Manhattan, the Lounge has been appointed with cozy furniture and beautiful crystal inspired by the decor of the hotel and the Baccarat brand itself.
THE PREFERRED LOUNGE BY BACCARAT.
When we first set foot in what would become our Lounge, we were a little daunted by how cavernous the empty gallery felt. The designers from Baccarat Hotel embraced the space and envisioned an elegant, warm respite replete with iconic Baccarat crystal and crimson. Baccarat’s team began moving decor into the space on Wednesday – just two days before our Lounge was set to open. High-top tables and unique lighting fixtures were lined up in preparation.
THE FOURTH FLOOR GALLERY BEFORE THE TRANSFORMATION.
On Thursday Baccarat’s busy team was joined by Aquarela Sabol, an artist who creates large-scale paintings and murals. She set to work sketching and painting a fanciful garden landscape spanning the gallery’s massive, blank wall.
AQUARELA PAINTING THE GALLERY WALL.
Final touches were added Thursday night and Friday morning as we prepared for our first clients to arrive: while Aquarela completed her black-and-white creation, the Preferred team arranged catalogues and invitations on coffee tables, and our wait staff made preparations to serve Sant Ambroeus coffee and bites.
THE LOUNGE EVOLVING OVER WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.
The final result of this mere 60-hour transformation is amazing. Upon entering the Lounge a red runner carpet draws your eye directly to the dazzling chandelier at the end, one of many unique Baccarat pieces adorning the room. Welcoming furniture and Baccarat’s signature airy scent help to create an atmosphere at once elegant and relaxing. We are delighted to offer this respite from the buzz of New York and Frieze Week to our clients this spring.
The Lounge will be open daily to Preferred clients through 12 May.
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