The Waldorf Astoria New York has hosted some of the biggest names of all time: Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Angelina Jolie — and the star-studded list goes on. Besides Hollywood’s hottest, the Park Avenue landmark’s also welcomed our nation’s presidents and British royalty. Naturally, they all contribute to the building’s rich history.
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a night at the luxe landmark ahead of its closure in March 2017, we’ve discovered the next best option: the Waldorf Astoria’s online auction. From now through October 24, interested buyers can bid on Waldorf Astoria furnishings via the Massachusetts-based auction house Kaminski Auctions. Proceeds from the auction will go towards Bartholomew’s Conservancy Inc., New York.
For some background, The Waldorf closed for renovations and is set to open in 2022, that is, if all goes as projected and on-time. The renovation plan is to turn the building into a hotel-condo hybrid while preserving its Art Deco interiors. But one part of that process is finding a home for thousands of the hotel’s furnishings (uh, over 80,000). That includes a plethora of historical items, including furniture straight from the iconic presidential suite and the beloved Peacock Alley Restaurant.
Unsurprisingly, it took weeks to move all of the furnishings out of the hotel and plenty of time to catalog everything. Pieces are available to preview in Taunton, Massachusetts’ Regal Silver City Galleria. But if you’re not from New England, the next best option is to peruse all of the offerings via the auction house’s website. Many items don’t have any bids just yet!
Sifting through thousands and thousands of lots is no easy feat, but it’s worth it, especially if you have a glass of wine and some time to kill. We’ve considered placing bids on many of the auction’s eclectic items, most recently, these pug pillows (Lot 1012) and this chic-as-hell French mirror (Lot 2079). No matter what you’re looking for, be it a royal’s bed frame or an elaborate chandelier, there’s a piece for you among the hotel’s up-for-sale furnishings.
“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,” said Andrew Miller, CEO of Dajia US, owner and developer of Waldorf Astoria New York.
So there you have it! Purchase a historic couch blessed by the backend of a celebrity or black-and-white framed photographs of the stars. No matter what you choose, you’ll have a piece of the world-renowned Waldorf Astoria New York. And that’s pretty damn cool.
