
With over three decades of experience in the fields of art, decorative arts and antiques from around the world, Material Culture applies its expertise to the appraising, consigning and selling of all kinds of artifacts from local, national and international consignors, including estates, private individuals, trusts, businesses, educational and cultural institutions. Located in Philadelphia, Material Culture prides itself on being a full-service auction house, with the ability to take on single items, collections, or entire estates, through the wide variety of auctions it offers. Material Culture's experience in the global market contributes to the strong showing of buyers overseas as well as domestically, with educated bidders from 30+ countries regularly participating in their high-energy sales.
Material Culture is dedicated to providing individualized attention to consignors, buyers and the artifacts up for sale throughout the entire auction process. The expert staff works to stay up-to-date on the developments of the global market, and applies experience, attention and care from appraisal to promotion. Consignors take note: Material Culture offers a no-surprises, competitive flat fee that takes into account all of the expenses associated with finding the best market for an item; there are no special charges for photography, internet listings, insurance, etc. Material Culture aims to exceed expectations and make the auction experience the best it can be for both consignors and buyers.
Material Culture�s exhibition galleries, nearly 20,000 square feet of naturally-lit space, are housed under the same roof as Material Culture�s 40,000+ square foot retail space and cafe, at 4700 Wissahickon Avenue, located off the Roosevelt Expressway, only 10 minutes from Philadelphia�s city center. This location is an easy, quick distance for either visitors or residents of the area, an advantage over auction houses far from a large metropolitan center. At the same time, this location provides spacious, hassle-free parking facilities, avoiding a problem that can plague auction houses in dense urban areas. Both exhibitions and auctions take place in Material Culture�s dedicated spaces, and participate in Philadelphia�s status as a city of the arts. Material Culture has always believed that art is for everyone, and aims to make participation in the auction business easier and more accessible to a spectrum of art lovers, for the convenience of the local community, and to the benefit of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Upcoming Auctions from Material Culture
ROBERT L. PFANNEBECKER COLLECTION
SELECTIONS FROM THE ROBERT L. PFANNEBECKER COLLECTION. Live Showroom Auction: Monday, December 18, 2023, 11AM EST. Public Exhibition: December 16-17, 11AM-4PM. Join Us! Exhibition Reception/Refreshments, Sunday, December 17, 1pm-4pm. This is a NO RESERVE AUCTION: there are no hidden or confidential reserves, all acceptable bidding commences at the online START PRICE. We also accept phone and absentee bidding. Have questions? Contact frontdesk@materialculture.comBidder Reviews for Material Culture (705)
4.6 out of 5.0 Stars
8 Latest Top ReviewsSee All
JeffMogadore, OH
Nov 29, 2023
From start to finish-fantastic experience!
This was my first time interacting with Material Culture, and I couldn’t be happier. The online auction was easy … the payment process was simple … and pickup of my artwork was easy. The artwork itself was in fantastic condition. I look forward to working with Material Culture again in the future!

GayleMetuchen, NJ
Oct 12, 2023
Great selection and value and the staff is very professional.
Great photos of their selection and accurate in descriptions. It's all around a good bidding and buying experience and picking up is easy. I love when auction houses are super organized!

NipingChappaqua, NY
Sep 04, 2023

GlennYork, PA
Jun 28, 2023
Good Items, Nice People
I like MC because they have interesting and quirky things often from important collectors who know exactly what the pieces are. I usually go and pay in person so I can say they are really nice people very friendly and helpful.

PetarPhiladelphia, PA
May 31, 2023
Top notch outfit
A very efficient, knowledgeable and customer friendly auction house. Top notch!

RobertSugar Land, TX
Mar 20, 2023
Great auction house with lots of interesting items. One of the auction houses that I make a point of following.

BranninAustin, TX
Mar 20, 2023
The Best!
I always look forward to buying from Material Culture! Great items and great service!!

JamesTonasket, WA
Mar 16, 2023
Quality items with an easy transaction
Great experience with this auction house. Had to use an external shipper but it was no problem (Material Culture made it very smooth). The items themselves were top quality for a very good price.

Past Auctions from Material Culture
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24
Date: Descending
Candles In The Light: Folk & Self-Taught Art
Nov 03, 2013 6:09 PM EST
Antique Carpets, Textiles & Ethnographic Arts
Oct 20, 2013 4:42 PM EDT
GlaxoSmithKline FineArt Collection-No Reserve
Apr 14, 2013 5:07 PM EDT
Material Culture Annex Auction - Online Only
Jan 12, 2013 1:57 PM EST
Spirits of My Reincarnation Brothers+Sisters
Oct 14, 2012 4:26 PM EDT
Antique Textiles, Carpets & Ethnographic Arts
May 26, 2012 4:32 PM EDT
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24
Record Auction Results for Material Culture
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