NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s is closing 2025 on a strong note, projecting $6.2 billion in global sales, up 6% year-on-year, as renewed confidence returns across the international art and luxury markets. The second half of the year proved especially robust, with sales rising 26% compared to the first half, underscoring what the auction house describes as a broad-based recovery in demand across categories and platforms.

Bonnie Brennan, who took on the role of Chief Executive Officer in February, characterized the year as a turning point. “The energy has returned to the saleroom, online, and across the market,” she said. “We’ve seen renewed confidence worldwide, reflected in these outstanding results. A solid first half was followed by an even more competitive second half, delivering exceptional, market-leading outcomes for our clients.”

Strong auction performance and pricing discipline

Auction sales reached $4.7 billion, an 8% increase year-on-year, including $234 million from Automobiles through Gooding Christie’s, which recorded the highest-grossing year in its history. Private sales remained steady at $1.5 billion, accounting for 24% of total global sales, with notable growth at the top end: 17 private transactions exceeded $15 million, and half of private-sale buyers were new to the channel.

Christie’s key performance metrics also improved. The overall sell-through rate rose to 88%, while the hammer price-to-low estimate index climbed to 113%, reinforcing the effectiveness of its pricing strategy and demand calibration.

Landmark sales across regions

The year was punctuated by a series of headline-making results. In London, Canaletto’s Venice, the Return of the Bucintoro on Ascension Day achieved £31.9 million ($43.9 million), setting a new record for the artist. At Pebble Beach, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione sold for $25.3 million, the highest price ever achieved for a car at Gooding Christie’s.

Asia also delivered standout moments, including Pablo Picasso’s Buste de femme, which sold for $25.4 million (HKD 196.7 million) in Hong Kong, resetting the artist’s auction record in Asia. In New York, Asian Art Week totaled $46.7 million, with a remarkable 259% hammer versus low estimate and 28% of buyers new to Christie’s or the category.

Jewelry, luxury, and modern art continued to perform strongly. The Mellon Blue diamond fetched CHF 20.5 million ($25.6 million) in Geneva, the highest jewelry lot sold at auction this year, while Mark Rothko’s No. 31 (Yellow Stripe) led New York’s November sales at $62.1 million, contributing to the house’s highest 20th/21st century sale total in three years.

Collections, private sales, and new buyers drive growth

Collections remained a cornerstone of Christie’s strategy. Two of the year’s top three collections were sold by the house: Leonard & Louise Riggio: Collected Works, which realized $272 million, and The Collection of Robert F. and Patricia G. Ross Weis, which totaled $223 million. Christie’s emphasized storytelling as central to these consignments, helping to unlock value across categories and regions.

New buyers and younger collectors continued to strengthen the business. 33% of Christie’s clients were millennials or Gen Z, up from 30% last year, while 46% of new bidders and buyers were millennials or younger. Luxury categories proved to be the main entry point for first-time buyers, followed closely by 20th and 21st century art. Notably, 63% of new buyers made their first purchase online, where the average price point reached $22,700, up 14% year-on-year.

Rahul Kadakia, President of Asia Pacific and Head of Global Luxury and Asian & World Art Groups, highlighted the importance of this shift. “Our diverse and relevant offering continues to attract a new, younger set of buyers, especially in Luxury sales,” he said, noting strong participation from Asia Pacific clients, who accounted for 37% of global luxury auction spend.

Regional performance and category trends

By region, the Americas led auction sales with $2.584 billion, up 15%, accounting for 41% of global auction turnover. EMEA followed with $1.435 billion, while Asia-Pacific recorded $686 million, reflecting a modest year-on-year decline but continued strategic importance, particularly in luxury and cross-category collecting.

Category-wise, 20th and 21st century art remained the largest segment at $2.86 billion, while Luxury grew 17%, Old Masters surged 24%, and Cars expanded 14%, underscoring Christie’s success in diversifying its revenue streams.

Investing in leadership, responsibility, and innovation

Internally, Christie’s strengthened its leadership team with several senior appointments made from within, including Julien Pradels as President of the Americas and Alex Rotter as Global President. The house also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and social impact, publishing its fifth Environmental Impact Report and reporting a 69% reduction in emissions since 2019—a distinction it says sets it apart within the auction industry.

Through Christie’s Ventures, the company continued to invest in technology and innovation, including immersive digital experiences and its annual Art+Tech Summit, which brings together leaders from across the technology and cultural sectors.

Looking ahead to 2026

Momentum is already building for 2026. Highlights include We the People: America at 250, a landmark sale in New York featuring historic documents and artifacts, as well as a rediscovered Michelangelo drawing and major works by Canaletto. Gooding Christie’s will expand its international footprint with auctions in Paris and New York in partnership with Rétromobile.

With strong fundamentals, a growing base of younger collectors, and continued investment in expertise and innovation, Christie’s enters 2026 confident that the renewed energy seen this year is not a brief rebound, but a foundation for sustained growth.