Our Story

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- and fourth-generation owners, Bill and Rebecca Rau, this family-run business operates globally, discovering items around the world and placing them in international collections, both public and private alike. The 40,000-square-foot gallery 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.

Explore the timeline

3,023

Items in Stock

13,238

Collectors Served

111

Years in Business
Specializing in Excellence Since 1912

“Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning trust and delivering the best is our top priority.”

Specializing in Excellence Since 1912—Bill RauThird-Generation Owner

The collections

Memorable Acquisitions

Over the course of more than 100 years, M.S. Rau has acquired and sold some of the world’s most important and extraordinary antiques, works of art and jewelry. And, while each item we acquire, whether it be a rare gemstone, an Impressionist masterwork or a fine piece of porcelain, has its own remarkable story to tell, some of these pieces have made a truly lasting impression. Here we share with you just a few of our most Memorable Acquisitions.

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Yellow Diamond
Dragonfly
Memorable Acquisitions
Bill and Rebecca Rau, 3rd and 4th Generation Owners

Meet the Team

Our team is among the finest, most knowledgeable group of professionals in this industry, bringing with them unique insights and varied expertise. With more than 200 combined years of experience, our sales consultants offer customers an invaluable wealth of knowledge and a remarkable dedication to quality and service.
Meet Your Sales Consultants

Buy With Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. When you buy antiques from M.S. Rau, you can do so with complete confidence. We are so confident that our antiques are some of the finest in the world, we back each piece we sell with a 125% guarantee.
Buy With Confidence

Museum Services

Our experienced team of sales, marketing and research professionals are available to assist organizations of all sizes, from international museums to historical societies, libraries and associations of arts professionals.
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Careers

For more than a century, M.S Rau has been a leader in the art, antiques and jewelry fields. If you want to work for the best while surrounded by the world's most fascinating treasures, we just might be the place for you.
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Rau for Art

It is the Foundation’s mission to support young artists by rewarding their artistic excellence. It is our hope that these students make the arts an integral part of their adult lives and share their passion with the world.
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