Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo Masterpieces to Be Shown for Free in Abu Dhabi

Organised by Sotheby’s, the show will take place at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island from Wednesday October 1 to Thursday October 2. The collection is valued at more than $150 million, and for the first time ever, these pieces will be seen in the Middle East. In fact, three of the six paintings have not been on public display anywhere in over 50 years.

Among the highlights is Kahlo’s 1940 painting 'El sueño', an intimate work that explores themes of life, death and rebirth. From Van Gogh comes 'Romans Parisiens', a still life handed down through generations of the artist’s family and considered one of the most important works of its kind to reach auction in more than a decade. Visitors will also encounter Paul Gauguin’s 'La Maison de Pen du', Camille Pissarro’s 'Bords de l’Oise à Pontoise' and Munch’s evocative 'Midsummer Night’s Eve'.

This short but significant stop in Abu Dhabi is part of a wider international tour. After leaving Saadiyat Island, the paintings will travel to London and Paris before arriving in New York for Sotheby’s November auctions. For local audiences, it’s a fleeting chance to experience works of global importance without leaving the region.

Public viewing is free, with opening hours set for October 1 from 2pm to 7pm and October 2 from 10am to 7pm.