Study in New York City

At the global crossroads of art and luxury, New York City offers a singular academic environment for hands-on learning through close collaboration with leading institutions, businesses, and experts.

At Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York, students gather at the Institute’s bustling Midtown campus in the historic General Electric building, an Art Deco landmark in the heart of Manhattan.

Beyond the classroom, the city becomes a dynamic extension of their studies: just steps away, world-renowned museums, galleries, foundations, artists’ studios, and auction houses—including Sotheby’s—offer access to extraordinary collections, major exhibitions, and high-stakes sales.

Alongside this, the flagship stores of Madison Avenue provide a window into the global luxury market, allowing students to experience firsthand the interplay of art, commerce, and culture that defines the industry.

The city serves as a living classroom, where theory and practice converge in real time.

New York is home to the largest art market in the world, accounting for the majority of all art sales internationally, and has long been a key market and strategic priority for high-end luxury groups and brands.

It is also home to Wall Street—the world’s leading financial hub.

The city draws top faculty, renowned art professionals, luxury experts, as well as established and emerging artists and brands, creating a dynamic ecosystem enriched by a diversity of cultural perspectives.

Master's Degrees

Our Master’s programs are designed by industry experts to provide students with the specialized knowledge and skill needed to become leaders in the international art market and the global luxury business. These degrees combine a rigorous curriculum and exposure to industry for a holistic learning experience that prepares students for successful careers in the creative industries.

Short Courses

Our short courses are ideal for individuals looking to enter or advance in the art world, combining the value of intensive study with access to the rich art history and cultural offerings of New York City. Choose from a curated selection of specialized subjects that will help you develop your expertise and gain key insights and skills to help you thrive in your art world career.

Pre-College

Sotheby’s Summer Institute invites high schoolers who are curious and passionate about the arts to immerse themselves in the vibrant art capital of New York City. From learning the intricacies of running galleries and museums to exploring painting and drawing techniques throughout history, these two-week courses are designed to engage, inspire, and fuel creativity.

Evening Courses

Connect to the art world community through our popular evening courses, designed for both working professionals and lifelong learners. They offer the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, learn from industry leaders, and enhance knowledge in subjects such as art business, art history, or the auction market.

Why study with Sotheby’s Institute of Art?

“The New York art world has everything to offer, and everybody can find their place here.” — Klaudia Ofwona Draber, MA in Art Business ‘18

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Our Faculty

The faculty at Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York are renowned academics and industry professionals with deep expertise in the art and luxury sectors.

In the art field, their specialties include art history, curating, art theory, art and trademark law, business theory and practice, appraisal and valuation, and connoisseurship.

In the area of luxury, faculty expertise encompasses the history and theory of luxury as well as contemporary business frameworks, including marketing, strategy, entrepreneurship, and finance.

Our dedicated team includes scholars, curators, economists, lawyers, business managers, valuation specialists, marketing and communications experts, and practitioners active in the global art and luxury markets.

Through classroom teaching, local site visits, and international field study, faculty members integrate academic rigor with real-world insight.

Discover more about the New York faculty.

Career Development

Students and graduates of the Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York MA programs have access to a myriad of internship and job opportunities through our extensive network of art world partners, including Sotheby’s auction house, and our global alumni community, with more than 8,000 members.

Professional development events are regularly held on campus, including specialized career fairs.
 

Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York offers a comprehensive suite of Career Services for our graduate students.

The Institute also partners with leading arts employers to offer Work Placement opportunities through which our students gain hands on experience within auction houses, galleries, artist studios, art advisories, and more. 

See our  global Career Services page for more information about our professional development support and alumni outcomes. 

Our alumni have built distinguished careers in New York and around the world.

Defined by a truly international community of students, faculty, and industry experts, the Institute empowers students to cultivate lifelong professional networks that propel their careers forward, wherever their paths may take them. 

Mission Statement

Sotheby’s Institute of Art-New York prepares aspiring professionals for careers in the international art world and the global luxury industry.

It offers an immersive learning environment alongside an object-based, dynamically responsive, and contextual curriculum.

A distinguished faculty of academic leaders and industry professionals supports the development of students’ analytical tools, critical skills, and market knowledge, while facilitating access to an international network of practitioners and experts.

Accreditation

Sotheby’s Institute of Art-NY holds permanent degree-granting authority from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

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