Christie's dinosaur auction show challenges New York's supremacy

In an unprecedented event, Christie's auction house in London has turned its attention to the world of dinosaurs for the first time since relocating to its King Street premises in 1824. This week, visitors are treated to a remarkable display of three dinosaur skeletons, including the remains of a stegosaurus and both an adult and a young allosaurus. The skeletons, dating back approximately 150 million years, were meticulously excavated and reconstructed by Interprospekt, a specialized Swiss-German company known for its expertise in paleontological displays. The auction house estimates the total value of these prehistoric skeletons could reach up to £13 million, a significant figure that underscores the growing interest in paleontological artifacts within the collector's market. This foray into dinosaur auctions represents a strategic move by Christie's to rejuvenate its offerings and capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts, especially in a market overshadowed by the dominance of auction houses in New York and Asia. As the exclusive home for this unique auction, Christie's aims not only to expand its clientele but also to establish London as a competitive marketplace for rare and unusual collectibles, enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for high-value auctions. The significance of this auction lies not only in its financial implications but also in its cultural resonance, signaling a renewed fascination with the prehistoric era. As the event unfolds, observers from various fields—art, paleontology, and commerce—will be keenly watching how this unusual auction performs and what it means for the future of unique cultural collectibles.