Art before the auction: Sotheby's exhibition opens at Bujairi Terrace
From Picasso to pioneering Saudi artists, Sotheby’s latest exhibition in Diriyah turns art appreciation into a must-do cultural moment – just before the gavel falls
Art lovers and culture enthusiasts now have another reason to linger at Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah.
A free public exhibition at the Welcome Hall currently presents Origins II, a thoughtfully curated selection of modern and contemporary artworks by Sotheby’s, featuring both regional pioneers and internationally renowned artists – right in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination.
The exhibition provides a rare chance to experience works by some of the most renowned figures in the art world up close.
Masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Anish Kapoor are showcased alongside works by prominent Saudi and Middle Eastern artists, fostering a compelling dialogue between global influence and local expression.
It’s an art-filled wander that feels as much a cultural moment as it is a lifestyle outing.
A standout element of Origins II is the spotlight on Saudi artistic voices across generations. The exhibition marks the auction debut of Mohamed Siam and Dia Aziz Dia, two of the most significant figures from the Kingdom’s second wave of modern artists.
Their works are displayed alongside those of pioneering figures such as Safeya Binzagr, Abdulhalim Radwi, and Mohammed Al Saleem, allowing visitors to observe the development of Saudi art over decades of creativity and transformation.
Eager to see the artworks? Be sure to swing by the free public exhibition, which coincides with the opening of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 – an easy excuse for a relaxed, early evening stroll, coffee in hand, and a dose of artistic inspiration.
For those looking to take things a step further, the exhibition leads to Sotheby’s second auction in Saudi Arabia, where over 60 lots from Origins II will go under the hammer on Saturday January 31.
The auction will be held at the amphitheatre in Diriyah, set against the historic backdrop of At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Kingdom.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious, Origins II provides a front-row seat to a defining moment in Saudi Arabia’s developing art scene.
Location: Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah
Timings: Daily 3pm to 10pm, except on Jan 31, 3pm to 7.30pm
Images: Sotheby’s
