Icons: Back to Madison – Etihad partners with Sotheby’s for $2 billion exhibition
Abu Dhabi opens the expo before New York debut
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has joined forces with Sotheby’s to become the Presenting Partner for the highly anticipated two-part exhibition, Icons: Back to Madison.
The exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection of works spanning multiple centuries and artistic categories, representing nearly $2 billion in value.
The Icons exhibition first launched in Abu Dhabi during the inaugural Collectors’ Week at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island from 2–6 December. Following this, the collection will travel to New York, opening at Sotheby’s newly inaugurated global headquarters at the Breuer Building, 945 Madison Avenue, on 13 December and remaining on view until 21 December.
Icons: Back to Madison
Icons showcases more than 25 masterpieces across both Abu Dhabi and New York, offering a rare opportunity to see works that have shaped global collecting trends. Among the featured pieces is Andy Warhol’s Shot Orange Marilyn (1964), distinguished by a bullet hole from an unsanctioned Factory performance and sold for $17.3 million at Sotheby’s in 1998. Also featured is Banksy’s Girl Without Balloon, which famously self-shredded during its 2018 Sotheby’s auction, turning the event into a live performance.
The exhibition further includes Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin prototype bag, sold earlier this year in Paris for a record-breaking $10 million, alongside ancient Mesopotamian sculptures estimated to be 5,000 years old.
Courtney Kremers, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman and Senior Specialist in Post-War and Contemporary Art, said: “Icons is more than an exhibition – it’s a celebration of Sotheby’s legacy and a return to our roots on Madison Avenue, reflecting decades of expertise and iconic works that have defined global collecting.”
Etihad’s role
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, highlighted the airline’s role in the collaboration: “As Presenting Partner, we’re proud to bring this extraordinary collection together for the world to enjoy. This exhibition reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing position as a leading cultural destination.”
Etihad will transport the Icons Collection exclusively via its FlyCulture specialised cargo service, which specialises in moving precious and luxury goods across its global network. The airline’s twice-daily flights from Abu Dhabi to New York’s JFK International Airport benefit from the UAE’s United States Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport – the only one of its kind in the region. This allows visitors to clear U.S. immigration before departure, arriving in the United States as domestic travellers and saving valuable time.
Luxury experience
The partnership signals Etihad’s continued commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences, connecting cultures, and inspiring discovery. Beyond the exhibition, the airline plans to expand its collaboration with Sotheby’s, potentially bringing curated collections to the skies.
The exhibition’s dual locations allow visitors to experience a once-in-a-generation collection that spans modern, contemporary, and ancient art. From iconic Pop Art and street art to ancient Mesopotamian relics, Icons provides a comprehensive overview of Sotheby’s most remarkable sales and reflects the evolving trends and tastes of global collectors over decades.
By hosting Icons in both Abu Dhabi and New York, Sotheby’s and Etihad offer a unique opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and the public to witness some of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces in one curated journey, bridging continents and cultural experiences.