The Journées Marteau are back from May 19 to 25, 2025, and invite you to come and discover auction house bidding and all the facets of the auctioneer's profession. Take advantage of the opportunity to have your valuables appraised free of charge!
Since 2005, the Syndicat national des Maisons de ventes volontaires (Symev) has been organizing the Journées Marteau to introduce the general public to the auctioneer's profession and promote public auctions, often accessible for as little as a few dozen euros! To mark the occasion, auction houses in Paris, Yvelines and Seine-et-Marne are inviting you to have your most prized possessions appraised, and to take part in the event, from May 19 to 25, 2025!
Whether you're an art lover or simply curious, auctions are a real experience. Whether it's jewelry, watches, coins, collectibles, antique furniture, curiosities or paintings, potential buyers are spoilt for choice, and have the opportunity to take home some incredible pieces, often one-of-a-kind! What treasure will you unearth today? Some bids are affordable for the average person, but the final amount can quickly soar!
Come and discover the auction rooms and the excitement of auctioneering during open days with workshops, conferences and fun activities!
The program
- Sotheby's - May 19, 2025 at 3pm: private guided tour of the exhibition curated by Betty Catroux: Important Design, to be sold on May 20, 2025. Auctioneers and specialists in "Modern and Contemporary Art", "Jewelry", "Leather Goods and Fashion" will offer a Masterclass "Behind the Scenes at Auctions" on Thursday May 22 from 5pm to 7pm.
- Meaux Enchères (77): free appraisals on Tuesday 20th, Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd May 2025. On Wednesday morning, jewelry expert Maxence Martin will appraise jewelry, watches and silverware. The same week will see the Beaux Intérieurs Briards exhibition and sale (jewelry, furniture and objets d'art).
- Hôtel Drouot: several events on Tuesday May 20, Thursday May 22 and Saturday May 24, 2025 to introduce the public to the history, rooms and mechanics of auctioneering, as well as behind the scenes of the world's largest auction house.
- Artcurial: two days of appraisals dedicated to "Urban Art", on Monday May 19 and Tuesday May 20, 2025, as well as a conference followed by a brunch around the book"Pierre Boulez, Témoignages/Hommages", on Saturday May 24, 2025.
- Hôtel des ventes de Coulommiers (77): public auction on Saturday May 24 at 1:30pm. "La Caverne d'Ali Baba : 1001 trésors" will present a selection of items dating from the 18th to the 20th century at low prices, with many bids starting at 20 euros.
