Our Story

Established 1912

Founded in 1912, M.S. Rau stands as one of North America’s most respected fine art, antiques and jewelry galleries. Led by third-generation owner, Bill Rau, the gallery operates globally, discovering items around the world and placing them in international collections, both public and private alike. The 40,000-square-foot showroom features carefully selected works from a diverse array of artists and makers who have defined the fine and decorative arts over the centuries. These include Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt van Rijn, Tiffany & Co., Paul Revere, Thomas Chippendale, Louis Comfort Tiffany, René Lalique and many others.

The jewelry boutique at M.S. Rau continues in the gallery’s century-long tradition of offering only the best in its category. Rau’s expert gemologists have curated a singular selection of high jewelry and one-of-a-kind gemstones that includes both designer pieces and sizeable stones from important mines.

Over the last decade, M.S. Rau has also produced museum-quality exhibitions annually, both in its New Orleans gallery and at a selection of prestigious art and antique fairs around the country. These initiatives expand Rau’s extensive network of contacts around the globe, which allows the gallery’s acquisition experts to source the most desirable works available. Furthermore, the gallery’s team of over 50 specialists represent the very best in their respective fields, offering clients the foremost logistical and financial services throughout the acquisitions process. Rau’s team of expert researchers also ensures that each piece is thoroughly vetted for quality and authenticity.