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.

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

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

Accolades

I have traveled around the world and have been fortunate to live in several beautiful places. Never before in all my travels have I come across a showroom such as yours. Such a place does not happen by accident. M.S. Rau is quite simply the best antique showroom in the world.

Brian Z.

Accolades

I have spent over a quarter of a century collecting European antiques and over ten of those years with M.S. Rau. Never have I experienced such a collection of magnificent objects for sale and in such pristine condition.

Richard Epes

Accolades

For nearly 20 years, we have purchased a wide variety of silver, furniture and jewelry from M.S. Rau and are extremely pleased with both the quality of the items purchased and the high level of service provided.

Chuck Thornton

Accolades

Love M.S. Rau. They offer the best of the best – each and every time. I continue to only shop for antiques at M.S. Rau based on the high-level workmanship of their pieces and their outstanding customer service.

Sonja Sommers