Sotheby's #2 September 2025

This fall is marked by doors opening anew—from our relocated New York HQ, housed in an architectural icon, to the storied interiors of an exceptional patron's London home and the rising cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi.

“What should a museum look like, a museum in Manhattan?” With this question, Marcel Breuer opened his 1963 presentation to the trustees of the Whitney Museum. In grappling with the answer, the Hungarian-born architect envisioned what would become the granite-clad, inverse ziggurat at 945 Madison Avenue-a bold brutalist icon conceived as a deeply considered public space that has since offered visitors the opportunity to encounter not only the Whitney's holdings but also, over the decades, substantial parts of the Met's and Frick's collections.

In our cover story, architectural historian Barry Bergdoll explores both Breuer the man and Breuer the building, soon to begin a new chapter as Sotheby's New York headquarters. Complemented by behind-the-scenes photography by Stefan Ruiz, shot in June to document the restoration in progress, the story offers a first look at the work being done to preserve the building for future generations ahead of its public unveiling this November, when it will reopen as a cultural hub for all.

Breuer's legacy resonates throughout the issue-from a visit to fashion designer Nili Lotan's home, designed by the architect to overlook the Hudson River, to a deep dive with Nicholas Fox Weber, director of the Albers Foundation, into the creative practices and tools of Anni and Josef Albers, who both worked alongside Breuer at the Bauhaus, contributing significantly to the school's innovative design education and artistic legacy. And on our back page, we celebrate early prototypes of his groundbreaking tubular-steel furniture, tracing their near-century-long influence on generations of designers.

Stepping into another hallowed art space, we enter the London home of Pauline Karpidas, the patron best known for nurturing fresh artistic talent through her annual exhibitions and gatherings on the Greek island of Hydra. The apartment was a more intimate space, animated by contemporary design from the likes of Les Lalanne and Mattia Bonetti, where she gathered the great works that had instructed her eye-an exceptional collection of surrealist masterpieces. The dreamlike abode will be recreated in our London galleries from September 8, ahead of a landmark series of single-owner auctions. This extraordinary early René Magritte (above) is one of the collection's highlights and its palette runs through our four editorial acts.

Four because we have added a bonus section in recognition of the swell of cultural happenings coming to Abu Dhabi this season, ahead of Sotheby's inaugural auctions in the emirate. Features include a travel portfolio charting its historic sites and modern marvels, a group profile of four flourishing artists operating in the capital and a preview of the Norman Foster-designed Zayed National Museum opening this December. As Manuel Rabaté, director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, puts it, “Abu Dhabi is building not just museums but a whole cultural constellation that nurtures and inspires.”

Elsewhere, we excerpt photographer Sally Mann's new book, "Art Work: On the Creative Life," pay a fashion-infused visit to Morocco with visual artist Viviane Sassen and stylist Alexandra Carl, and learn how the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize is elevating craftsmanship for today. Read on and step through the threshold.

Kristina O’Neill, Editor in Chief