DESA – The Auction House and Gallery Ltd,

DESA – The Auction House and Gallery Ltd is the oldest company on the Polish art market, which has been continually in operation since 1950.
We are not only a trading company but we also play an important role in culture-forming processes in Poland. We secure valuable works of art for museum collections and promote contemporary art and artists by organizing exhibitions both in Poland and abroad. Our team of experienced and highly qualified valuers and expert witnesses prepare appraisals, expert valuations and auction estimates of artwork.
DESA has antique stores all over Poland and an Auction House in Krakow.
We cooperate on Polish artwork and memorabilia with many auction houses both in Poland and abroad, among others, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Dorotheum, Nagel and Drouot. We hold expert consultations with museums in Poland and abroad.
DESA company participates in the Leonardo da Vinci programme, which was established to support cooperation between universities, business enterprises and patron institutions all over Europe.
The Board of Directors of DESA is based in Cracow, Florianska St. 13,
phone +48 12 422 27 06
fax +48 12 422 98 91

Chairman: Mateusz Lalowicz
Deputy Chairman: Maciej Majewski

DESA is located in the Kmita Palace. The building was erected in the 14th century and rebuilt in the first half of the 16th century to become a lavish residence of the Kmita aristocratic family. Many elements date back to the Early Renaissance period among many stone window frames on the façade of the building, beamed ceilings on the first floor, wall friezes, a portal and a column. The palace was renovated again in the second half of 18th century. Many decorative elements date back to that period: the polychrome decorations of the interior on the first floor, beamed ceilings, fireplaces on the second floor as well as the attic on the façade, which is decorated with three bar-reliefs depicting the scene of the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and eagles overcoming snakes. The building has been the seat of the company since 1988.