The oldest auction house, the Dorotheum was founded in 1707 by order of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I as a state pawnshop for the needs of the population, who are in a difficult financial situation. First, on sales of things that were unable to redeem their owners, were allowed only a narrow range of buyers. In 1785 the pawnshop has become an open school for all those willing to purchase the lien. After 80 years after its founding, the pawn shop has moved to the centre of Vienna, in the former convent of St. Dorothea, and then received its present name – the Dorotheum. The company quickly gained momentum and grew rich, so in 1901 on the site of a former monastery was built a magnificent and elegant building designed by architect Ritter von förster. The solemn opening ceremony of the Dorotheum visited the Emperor. The renovated spaces were required by the major auction houses; in the exhibition halls began to gather all the Viennese elite.

Since 1978, the Dorotheum has opened rooms free sales that brought even more potential buyers. In the halls of the exhibited art objects, Antiques, jewelry. Trading in these halls is ongoing, without reference to the auctions. Today first occupied auction, which exhibited a painting of the XIX century and the work of contemporary artists. Traditionally much interest in glass, porcelain and sculpture of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

Since 2001, the Dorotheum passed into the hands of private owners who are responsible and love the traditions auction house.

Currently, the Dorotheum has branches and representative offices, both in Austria and in other countries of the world: Italy, Japan, Czech Republic, Germany. Record sales results for the Dorotheum was 2007, when total sales amounted to 123 million euros.