Pre-College

Art Conservation / Art Appraisal

Sign up to be notified.

 Request Info
Date
July 6, 2025
Duration
2 Weeks
Location
New York
Grades
Rising 10-12, Graduating Seniors
Program
Pre-College
Mode of Learning
In-Person
Price
Day Program
$5,660
Residential Program
$6,990
Tuition Information
Language
English
Topic
Art Business
Contact Admissions

+1 646-665-1861 precollege@sia.edu

Go behind the scenes in a conservator’s lab and explore the history, care, and valuation of art objects in a hands-on learning environment.

This course will survey the fascinating ways in which cultural objects are conserved, studied, and appraised. Students will gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to museum conservation labs and hear from experts about how art objects—ranging from ancient ceramics to post-war paintings—are preserved for future generations. Professional appraisers will teach students the key factors used when determining the value of art in museums, galleries, auction houses, and private collections. Students will also study the art historical environment surrounding the care and condition of artworks, offering them a new, interactive perspective on the context of cultural objects and the ethical considerations that go into conserving them.

This course is taught by an expert conservator and a professional appraiser. Both instructors provide exclusive insight into these unique professions and the skill sets needed for them, and each week of study culminates in a final project that helps students practice evaluating artwork condition and value.

Highlights

Explore the World of Art Conservation and Appraisal

Visit museum conservation labs and hear from top conservators in New York City, gaining new perspectives on the complex and dedicated process needed to preserve cultural objects for future generations.

Develop Practical Skills in Conservation and Art Analysis

Work directly with real works of art and scientific tools to develop condition reports and practice the fundamentals of scientific analysis used in art conservation.

Assess Market Value Like a Professional Appraiser

Step into the shoes of a professional art appraiser and consider the many factors affecting how cultural objects are valued in a dynamic global market. You will learn how to thoroughly research and analyze an object and determine its market price.

Step Inside Sotheby’s for a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Auctions

Visit Sotheby’s auction house and see how appraisal factors into the everyday workings of sale preparation by meeting with specialists and getting a behind-the-scenes tour.

Terms

All courses are open to rising 10th – 12th graders and graduating seniors. Explore the full summer schedule.

View Schedule

Term One

Dates
July 6 – 18, 2025
Grades
Rising 10-12, Graduating Seniors
Status
Closed

Next Steps

Details

Site Visits

Visits will include a combination of trips to major New York City art museums and galleries as well as other places related to art conservation and art appraisal.

In the past, site visits have included:

  • Sotheby’s auction house
  • The New York Public Library Archives
  • The Whitney Museum of American Art Conservation Lab
  • Art appraisal firms
  • Art galleries such as Pace Gallery, David Zwirner, and Gagosian Gallery
  • Artists’ studios

Please note: This information is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Sotheby’s Institute of Art

Guest Speakers

In the past, guest speakers have included:

  • Art conservators
  • Art appraisers
  • Museum curators
  • Gallery directors
  • Art historians
  • Artists

Please note: This information is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Sotheby’s Institute of Art

Summer Institute Faculty

Our instructors are award-winning Sotheby’s Institute faculty, recognized thought leaders and professional experts in the art world. Each faculty member structures their course around real-time conversations defining their professions and helps students master the unique forces at play in the art world.

Related Courses

Thank You!

We'll be in touch soon.
For immediate assistance email us.