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
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