OFF-SITE PRIVATE MUSEUMS
BOOKS
CARS
LUXURY LIVING HOME u
OFF-SITE PRIVATE MUSEUMS
Important art collectors with extensive portfolios are quietly opening their own private museums in separate real estate holdings dedicated to art . In doing so , they are serving a public good : opening their passion and vision to widespread appreciation and education while also maintaining greater control over the entirety of their collections .
While international laws differ , donors can expect to receive tax relief if their private museum serves a clear educational purpose by making the works available for public viewing , research , or traveling exhibitions . By sharing rare and hidden treasures , the philanthropic payback is immeasurable .
“ Considering what a private passion book collecting is , libraries are in fact very revealing . There is a fascinating tension between the private nature of a closed book and the public face of titles on spines which reflect the collector ’ s very essence . The resurgence in libraries in the home echoes this tension , providing a private refuge as well as a welcoming public space . When one shares a library , he shares himself .”
Meg Ford , International Head of Books , Christie ’ s
BOOKS
Those who believed that the decline of print would result in a move away from in-home libraries were a little extreme . While the long-term impact of e-books is still to be seen , in-home libraries are showing up in more and more luxury homes , a testament to the enduring value of words committed to the page and beautifully bound for the ages .
CARS
To dismiss these showcases as a garage is like saying a Tesla is energy efficient . While true , the definitions veer wide of the mark , failing to fully capture the innovation , the luxury engineering , and the elegant presentation .
Infused with inspiration and artistry , high-end car galleries pay homage to the automotive art form . Upscale garages may house a handful of vintage autos or up to as many as 60 cars . Some are functional ( with lifts , bays , and a full workshop ) or serve solely as a display venue . In most , however , the car collection doubles as an art installation .
These ultimate garages include rotating turntables , state-of-the-art lighting to show off the exquisite chrome and paint jobs , not to mention a fully appointed décor . Common motifs are retro , with vintage gas pumps and diners , to the ultra-modern , rivaling any new-car showroom .
Entertainment centers are increasingly de rigueur — with wet bars , screens , and other upscale appointments that allow owners and guests to enjoy an evening of camaraderie in the presence of four-wheeled masterpieces .
“ These gentlemen ’ s retreats can be quite elaborate . I have seen a poker room with the air pulled out and refreshed every 90 seconds . An office / theater with free seating and a desk facing the screen , pin lights in the ceiling subtly illuminating it . There was a 12-car underground garage with an elevator to take one car up onto the main level of the house for display on a large stage behind glass . As a car collector myself , I understand this . There is art to hang on the wall and art that you can drive .”
Walt Danley of Walt Danley Real Estate , Paradise Valley , Arizona
231