Art
Sotheby’s in Talks to Help Saudi Prince Build Desert Art Oasis
The largest auction house in the U.S. is in talks to develop a contemporary art program with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has set multiple ambitious agendas for his desert kingdom. Turning it into a major cultural destination may end up being one of the highest-profile.
For part of the plan, the Saudi government has turned to Sotheby’s, the biggest U.S. auction house, and Allan Schwartzman, the co-chairman of its fine art division. He rose to fame by creating an arts dreamland in the Brazilian jungle for a mining magnate who was later convicted of money laundering.