When Diriyah’s Ancient Walls Meet the Gavel: Sotheby’s Unpacks in Saudi Arabia
In a move that rewrites the art world’s map, Sotheby’s is set to hold its very first auction in Saudi Arabia, choosing the storied town of Diriyah as its stage. This isn’t just another sale—it’s the first international auction ever hosted in the Kingdom, signaling a new era for Saudi’s cultural scene.
The event, fittingly named “Origins,” will showcase a vibrant mix: works by Saudi artists will hang alongside global icons, while luxury watches, jewelry, classic cars, and even rare handbags round out the catalog. For a full week before the gavel falls, the public can view these treasures for free, turning the auction into a cultural happening rather than a closed-door affair.
Sotheby’s isn’t new to Saudi Arabia, but this marks its boldest step yet, with a new office opening in Riyadh’s iconic Al Faisaliah Tower. As Saudi’s creative landscape expands, this auction could be the spark that brings local and global collectors together under one historic roof.
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