From a small Manhattan gallery in 1973 to one of the world's leading international auction houses — our journey has been driven by a single passion: celebrating and preserving the world's greatest artistic treasures.
In 1973, a young scholar of East Asian art named Henry Whitfield opened Heritage Galleries on Madison Avenue — a modest 860-square-foot gallery devoted to 19th-century Chinese export porcelain.
By 1985, we hosted our first major evening sale — "Imperial Chinese Art" — where all 32 lots sold above estimate, marking our transition from gallery to auction house.
Entering the new century, we expanded to Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Geneva, pioneering live online bidding that connected collectors across continents.
Today, Heritage Global is a 52-specialist, 12-category, 87-country auction powerhouse. Yet we never forget that small gallery — respect for every piece, honesty with every collector.
Henry Whitfield founds Heritage Galleries in New York, devoted to East Asian art.
First "Imperial Chinese Art" evening sale — all 32 lots sold, transitioning to auction house.
Hong Kong headquarters opened, bridging East and West auction markets.
Pioneered live online auction technology, expanding global buyer access.
Paris office at Place de la Madeleine, deepening European collector relationships.
$5.2 billion in annual sales — leader in Asian art auctions five years running.
52 in-house specialists across every category — averaging 22 years of industry experience.
Founder & Chief Advisor
Head of Chinese Paintings
Head of Porcelain & Works of Art
Head of Jewelry & Watches
Head of Classical Furniture
Head of Contemporary Art
Head of Rare Books
Head of Wine & Spirits
Honesty with every collector and every piece — an unwavering commitment for half a century.
52 specialists, decades of accumulated knowledge — authenticating and valuing your treasures with care.
We don't just auction objects — we transmit culture, connect eras, and ensure great works endure.
Whether you're an individual collector, institutional buyer, or art enthusiast — we'd love to hear from you.