Did the Mona Lisa and King Tut Get Stored Previously at Storage Post Upper West Side?

The Untold Stories of New York Storage – From Sofia Bros. Storage to Storage Post

You may have strolled past it on your way to Zabar’s or Central Park, but the brick façade at 475 Amsterdam Avenue isn’t just another Upper West Side building. It’s a silent guardian of history. Today, the site operates as Storage Post, but its roots run deep—deep enough to brush shoulders with art history and pharaonic legend.

From Sofia Bros. to Storage Post: The Beginning of Manhattan Storage

Founded in 1910 by Frank, Theodore, and John Sofia, Sofia Bros. was one of Manhattan’s earliest storage and moving companies. Long before climate-controlled units and personal access codes, the Sofia family was trusted with valuables from Manhattan’s elite. In 1922, the fireproof warehouse at 475 Amsterdam was built, and later became part of the Sofia storage empire, anchoring their operations on the Upper West Side.

Forget startup stories—this was an empire built by hand, family-run through generations, and deeply trusted by New Yorkers. Their reliability and reputation positioned Sofia Bros. as one of Manhattan’s first true storage providers, well ahead of the later claims made by others.

And the building’s stories? Let’s just say you might want to pull up a chair.

The Legend Behind the Storage: The Mona Lisa

In 1963, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa made a historic voyage from the Louvre to New York City. She was set to appear at The Met, and Sofia Bros. was tapped by the Met to handle her transport from Paris. Based at 475 Amsterdam, they oversaw her transport—charging a modest $86 and insuring her for a mere 30¢ a pound. (Yes, really.)

Did she spend a night inside the Amsterdam Avenue facility? The records don’t confirm, but New York legend says it’s more than likely. Consider this: priceless art doesn't just arrive in town without a secure foundation. What better place than a secure self-storage facility?

Another Storage Mystery: King Tut

A dozen years later, between 1976 and 1978, the world was captivated by the King Tut exhibit as it toured the United States. With its golden masks and ancient artifacts, the collection needed military-level protection. Once again, Sofia Bros. was trusted to help with the move.

With such high stakes, isn't it conceivable that the treasures paused at 475 Amsterdam —for a layover, inventory, or just storage under lock and key?

Building Legacy Continues Today

The building at 475 Amsterdam itself hasn’t changed much. Inside, we’ve modernized the interior—climate control, digital security, easy access—but we preserve the Sofia family’s spirit. Tom, Leonard, John and Amy Sofia were instrumental in helping us transition this building; their generosity made the acquisition seamless and meaningful.

So, whether you’re storing winter coats, vintage vinyl, or heirlooms of your own, you’re joining a long line of New Yorkers who’ve trusted this very space—with far more than just stuff.

Need self-storage in Upper West Side? Visit our facilities or book online today.