"To stand at the threshold of two worlds — the legacy of physical art and the rise of digital and AI — feels like a rare privilege. Through The Hammer, I found myself not only a co-producer, but a witness to this transition, alongside Simon de Pury — someone who shaped one era as another begins to emerge."

"The Hammer" is a portrait of legendary auctioneer Simon de Pury, whose career has taken him from managing one of the most prestigious art collections in the world to leading major auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Phillips, repeatedly setting record-breaking sales.

Often referred to as the "Mick Jagger of auctions," de Pury offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the mechanisms of the global art market and its most exclusive circles.

Shot across New York, Tokyo, London, Cannes, Miami, and Monaco, the film unfolds as an engaging journey through the contemporary art world, exploring its personalities, rituals, and economies.

Featuring artists such as Marina Abramović, Jeff Koons, and Chloe Wise, the film examines the complex relationship between artists and commerce, ultimately questioning what it means to be an artist today.

As part of its Venice Biennale 2026 program, CityX Foundation presents a special invitation-only screening of "The Hammer", followed by a conversation with the production team.

Conceived as an intimate, closed-format event, the screening creates a focused space for reflection, bringing together collectors, artists, and cultural practitioners within the context of the Biennale.

Q&A Session (subject to confirmation)

Film Screening

19:20

Introduction (CityX Foundation / Production Team)

19:10

Guest arrival & welcome drink

19:00