Artnet Intelligence Report 2026 Reveals 13.3% Auction Growth and Private Market Secrets

Global auction totals increased by 13.3% in 2025 compared to 2024, according to the newly released Artnet Intelligence Report: The Year Ahead 2026. The report's cover story 'Dark Mode' by Katya Kazakina investigates private auctions where high-value items like paintings, cars, and jewelry trade confidentially among select collectors. Industry figures including auctioneer Joe Maddalena, advisor Patti Wong, and dealer David Schrader provide insights on public salesroom dynamics in extensive interviews. Margaret Carrigan analyzes art industry data through The Back Room newsletter for Artnet Pro. Kazakina also discussed these topics with Andrew Russeth on the Art Angle podcast, focusing on private auctions and expectations for major May sales in New York. The full report is available as a free PDF download, with Artnet encouraging readers to explore their Artnet Pro subscription and Price Database.