The Brooklyn Museum has consigned a dozen works from its collections to Christie’s for auction, in the first significant example of a US museum taking advantage of loosened regulations on deaccessioning that were announced by the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) in April. According to the new rules, which were introduced to help combat the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, over the next two years museums will not be penalised for deaccessioning artworks in order to cover ‘expenses associated with the direct care of collections’. The works earmarked for sale at the Brooklyn Museum include an oil panel by Lucas Cranach the Elder (the only work it holds by the artist), which is estimated to fetch $1.2m–$1.8m, as well as paintings by Corot and Courbet.
As the cultural landscape of the Middle East continues to evolve, Abu Dhabi is preparing to unveil one of its most anticipated artistic milestones. On 11 December 2026, the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will officially open its doors, marking a transformative moment not only for the UAE but also for the international art world.