The Ritz Paris stands as an enduring symbol of Parisian elegance, and for discerning collectors, the opportunity once arose to acquire a tangible piece of its storied past.
From the plush armchairs where literary giant Marcel Proust once found inspiration, to bar stools frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald during the Roaring Twenties, over 3,500 remarkable artifacts were offered for auction—each one a testament to the hotel’s illustrious 120-year legacy.
Hosted between April 17-21 by Artcurial—the prestigious auction house renowned for curating collections from iconic addresses such as Hotel de Crillon and Plaza Athenee in Paris, as well as Monaco’s Hotel de Paris—this event attracted global interest from connoisseurs and luxury hospitality enthusiasts alike.
Nestled at 15 Place Vendome, The Ritz Paris has welcomed royalty, film stars, and world leaders for generations. Its guestbook includes icons like Princess Diana, who dined at the hotel in the hours before her passing, alongside Dodi al-Fayed, the son of then-owner Mohamed al-Fayed.
Founded in 1898 by visionary Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz, the property underwent a transformative four-year restoration, reopening in 2016 to reveal 142 sumptuously reimagined rooms and suites—several named in honor of legendary guests such as Coco Chanel and Maria Callas.
Among the extraordinary items featured in the sale were a Louis XVI-inspired pet bed, a vintage barber’s chair, a Ritz-embossed minibar, and three original stools from the hotel’s iconic bar. Auction organizers anticipated proceeds in the range of €1 to €1.5 million, reflecting the enduring appeal of Ritz Paris heritage.
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