980 Madison Avenue – Parke-Bernet Galleries Building
Located at the intersection of Madison Avenue and East 76th Street, 980 Madison Avenue stands as a landmark of cultural and architectural significance on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Originally developed as the headquarters for the Parke-Bernet Galleries, the largest fine arts auction house in the U.S. at the time, the building opened its doors on November 10, 1949. Designed in the Modern Classical style, it quickly became a central hub for New York’s art world, hosting major auctions and exhibitions that attracted collectors and connoisseurs from around the globe.
The building’s understated limestone façade is adorned with “Venus and Manhattan,” a prominent sculpture by Wheeler Williams that greets visitors with an elegant nod to classical mythology. Over the decades, 980 Madison has evolved from its origins as an auction house into a dynamic destination for high-end galleries, luxury retail, and creative offices, all while preserving its rich artistic legacy and architectural integrity.
Key Facts:
- Building Class: Class B
- Opened in 1949 as the headquarters of Parke-Bernet Galleries, once the leading auction house in the United States.
- Located on Madison Avenue at East 76th Street, in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
- Features the sculpture “Venus and Manhattan” by American artist Wheeler Williams on its front façade.
- Designed in a restrained Modern Classical style, reflecting post-war elegance and simplicity.
- Served as a major art auction venue until Parke-Bernet was acquired by Sotheby’s in 1987.
- Currently home to prestigious galleries and creative offices, continuing its legacy as a center for art and culture.
(All pictures by Richard Plehn. Some of the information has been taken from Wikipedia)
