Published on March 31, 2026
Christie’s, the world’s oldest auction house, has announced the closure of its division dedicated to digital art and NFTs. This decision comes just three years after the groundbreaking sale of Beeple’s “Everydays: The First 5000 Days,” which fetched a staggering $69 million, propelling the market for non-fungible tokens into the mainstream.
The auction house originally embraced the NFT trend following the explosive growth it experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Christie’s saw an opportunity to expand its offerings and cater to a new generation of collectors fascinated . The sale of Beeple’s artwork marked a historic moment not only for the artist but also for the NFT market, establishing Christie’s as a pioneering force in this new digital frontier.
However, the once-booming interest in NFTs has since waned, affected values and growing skepticism regarding the long-term value of digital art. Many collectors are now reassessing their investments, and the market has experienced a significant cooldown. Against this backdrop, Christie’s has opted to eliminate its digital art division to streamline operations and refocus on its core strengths in traditional art sectors.
This shift reflects a broader trend in the art world as galleries and auction houses navigate the evolving landscape of art curation and sales. Despite the closure of its digital division, Christie’s remains committed to incorporating innovative practices that align with emerging technologies, albeit with a more cautious approach.
The decision marks a notable pivot for the auction house as it returns its primary focus to its heritage of classical and contemporary artworks, signaling a potential recalibration of how prestigious institutions engage with the digital art world moving forward.
Related News
- REVIEW: Wounds, stabs and stabbers: Inside Bolaji Abdullahi’s The Loyalist
- Humanitarian aid to Aden, Yemen continues despite increased violence: UN
- This Old-Fashioned Dish Deserves a Place on Your Easter Table
- Christo: Wrapping The Arc de Triomphe
- Mérida Aims to Attract 200,000 Tourists for the 2026 World Cup
- WeCollect desembarca en Londres con una exposición de Miki Leal