LONDON.- Christie's launches its inaugural Groundbreakers: Icons of Our Time auction on 11 December 2025, celebrating cultural innovation from the 20th and 21st centuries. Headlining the sale is Spike (est. £3,000,000–5,000,000), an exceptionally preserved Caenagnathid dinosaur. Measuring 199.5 x 198.5 x 67 cm, it is one of the most complete Caenagnathid specimens ever discovered. The specimen appears to display morphological features that are distinct from those of previously known Caenagnathids.

A recent discovery from the 2022 field season, Spike, comprises approximately 100 beautifully preserved fossil bones that tell the story of a sub-adult dinosaur that is 68 million years in the making. It has recently been determined that this family of dinosaurs were heavily feathered, and a rare marking on Spike's wrist might be further evidence of this. Since the first Caenagnathid was published in 1940, only a handful of comparable specimens have been discovered – and none have ever come to auction until now.

James Hyslop, Head of Department, Science & Natural History, says: “Spike is a truly exceptional specimen, and it is a great honour to present him here at Christie's. We're looking forward to welcoming visitors to King Street to meet Spike in person. Through Christie's Select, collectors and enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to explore Spike in immersive VR, experiencing this epic dinosaur in their own environment – from anywhere in the world.”

In addition to being on view, available for all to see in person from 6 to 11 December 2025, Spike will also be available for immersive exploration through Christie's Select on Apple Vision Pro. Prospective collectors can envisage Spike at true-to-life scale in their own spaces. Using the spatial computing capabilities of visionOS, the app enables detailed exploration of Spike from every angle, delivering a fully immersive VR experience ahead of the auction.

Exhibition and Viewing

In addition to experiencing Spike in a curated exhibition in London from 6–11 December, ahead of the auction on 11 December 2025, at Christie's London, King Street, further detail in relation to viewing via Christie's Select can be found at Christie's Select on the App Store.

Christie's Select is the first spatial computing app where you can experience art from the world's leading auction house in any environment. Powered by Dubbl, a Christie's Ventures portfolio company, the app allows users to get up close with exceptional art and objects from the most coveted collections, wherever you are in the world.

Beyond Spike: A Celebration of Cultural Icons.

Alongside Spike, the inaugural Groundbreakers auction presents a curated selection of 30 lots spanning natural history, cinema, music, literature, fashion, and technology. Highlights range from personal letters by cultural icons, to rare scientific artifacts, historic musical instruments, and pioneering design pieces, with further treasures to be revealed in the coming weeks.