Grab your paddles and training your bidding arm because the iconic Sotheby’s exhibition and auction is coming back.
That’s right, after a gorgeous debut in the heart of the Saudi capital, Sotheby’s is returning once again to bring 64 works by Saudi and Middle Eastern artists alongside renowned international names.
The new exhibition will be titled ‘Origins II’ and will bring many first-timers to the auction block including Rembrandt’s Young Lion Resting for the first time in 50 years.
The drawing has been described as the most important Rembrandt drawing to appear on the auction block in Saudi.
Want even more excitement? The January event will welcome a free public exhibition as well.
Sotheby’s exhibition and auction 2026
Sotheby’s is a globally renowned auction house that began in the UK and is now headquartered in New York City. Known for dealing in everything from fine and decorative art to jewellery and rare collectibles, it’s one of the biggest names in the world of auctions. With a presence in 40 countries and 80 locations worldwide, including a strong footprint in the UK, Sotheby’s continues to connect collectors with extraordinary pieces across the globe.
Sotheby’s exhibition and auction 2026 location
The exhibition and auction will take over Diriyah once more.
Sotheby’s exhibition and auction 2026 dates
Sotheby’s is returning to Riyadh on Wednesday January 31, giving you over 30 days to prepare.
Sotheby’s exhibition and auction 2026 tickets
Tickets for the exhibition will be released closer to opening date.
What to expect at Sotheby’s exhibition and auction 2026
The auction brings together a stellar mix of regional trailblazers and global icons. Standout Saudi works include Safeya Binzagr’s Coffee Shop in Madina Road from 1968, a rare piece by one of the Kingdom’s true art pioneers, as well as Mohammed Al Saleem’s untitled 1989 painting that captures his signature Horizonism style inspired by desert landscapes. There’s also powerful modern Arab art on show, from Mahmoud Sabri’s socially charged Demonstration to abstract works by Samia Halaby and a rare early painting by Egyptian artist Ahmed Morsi.
International highlights add serious star power to the lineup. Picasso’s Paysage, painted during his later years in Mougins, leads the sale with a multimillion dollar estimate, while Anish Kapoor’s striking concave mirror sculpture from his iconic mirror series promises a bold visual moment. Andy Warhol also features prominently, with his Pop Art reinterpretation of de Chirico’s Disquieting Muses alongside a coveted set of Muhammad Ali screenprints.
Rounding out the sale are museum worthy works by Jean Dubuffet, inspired by his travels in the Sahara, and a special group of seven pieces by Roy Lichtenstein from the artist’s personal collection. Highlights include studies for Interior with Ajax and The Great Pyramid Banner, offering collectors a rare chance to acquire works with exceptional provenance and art historical significance.
Valued at an estimated $15–20 million, Young Lion Resting is heading to auction from The Leiden Collection, one of the world’s most significant private collections of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art. The drawing will be on public display at Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah from Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, January 25, showcased alongside the full lineup of Origins II,
Sotheby’s upcoming second auction in Saudi Arabia, before going under the hammer in Sotheby’s New York on February 4, 2026. All proceeds from the sale will support Panthera, the leading global organization dedicated to protecting wild cats.
Things to do in Riyadh in January
Looking to explore the city during Q1 without breaking the bank? Riyadh Metro’s new tickets are what you need. There is also the exciting openings of Six Flags Qiddiya City and SEVEN Al Hamra for you to check out.
Wed Jan 31, 2026. Diriyah, sothebys.com.
