Tour a Stunning New York Townhouse with a Museum-Level Art Collection | WSJ Mansion
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2025
- Artist, businessman and collector Arthur Becker takes WSJ on a tour of his stunning six-story, 6,000-square-foot Soho townhouse, filled with ancient artifacts, modern and original art. Photo: Kelly Marshall for The Wall Street Journal. Video: Drew Evans/The Wall Street Journal.
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I love the art collection at his place. But when he said ‘Indus Valley ‘ it hit more closer to my heart. India or Pakistan would not allow these treasures to go out legally. Period.
Maybe some one will report him.. WSJ should check more closley
I did notice an empty space on one his shelves and I couldn’t help but think it may have been a piece he didn’t want to have filmed....but why?
I’m assuming Illegally taken and then “legally” bought so it’s complicated 🤷♂️
@@mehkmalik4592 bulk of Indus valley is in india Mr malik
A lot of it went out when the British ruled, it has illegally continued to move out since, Surface finds after a point are difficult to control specially in the areas of excavation and around.
love this new WSJ comedy series !!
Nothing says sophistication like plundered artifacts displayed so elegantly.
Succinct and exactly how I felt.
But at least he pays for it whereas when the 8 alliance invaded china in Opium war, they killed, plundered and pillaged and destroyed/ burned those they could not take.
@@ycho420 I agree! Better that these items are house in a beautiful home with someone who truly appreciates it than in a back alley cesspool where it will most likely be used as a toilet.
"Plundering" is good for art. It allows people from all over the world to enjoy it, rather than decaying in the ground of some third world cesspool.
I'm sure he paid for them lol
Stunning home and collection. What a joy it must be to live surrounded by all that beauty.
Ok ...I’m I the only person that noticed this video is a 6:58 commercial for this guys art. This isn’t a house tour it a boring look at my art buy my art.
Agreed. It quickly gets tiresome.
Bad art
Its amazing listening to any art collector who can truly articulate their collection.
I’m not sure but I think no piece of pre-historic Mesopotamian artifact leaves that region legally.
These are 5 to 7 thousand year old artifacts!!!! They are not random antiques!!!! They are fragile pieces of history and culture of certain part of the world that need constant up keep and attendance. They belong in a museum.
I’m not saying this particular dude has done something illegal per se but this just doesn’t seem right to me.
EXACTLY
Ha, go onto Ebay, the goofy soulless Syrians are selling genuine artifacts pennies on the dollar
@@riverratbond007 "Goofy, soulless Syrians"? What planet do you live on? And, are you condoning buying loot if the seller is goofy and soulless?
@@nohaaboulmagd4597 you got my point!
@@nohaaboulmagd4597 Why not, if given the chance??
Bravo! Handling ancient art next to tomatoes and dishes. Ancient mesopotamian artefacts in an environment of a private home. There won't be much left by the time he is done.
Sort of Raiders of the Lost Arc...kinda Guy
One piece of "money-art" I would understand - it's a fun, if literal and clonky idea. But to hang your house full of it is repetitive and meaningless. One does not add to the other; instead, the repitition exposes that it is a shallow concept, because there are no new layers to explore through different pieces. Moreover, since it is his own work, it hints at obsession and narcicism.
His collection of antique art is too much like a hoarder. With the exception of the vase by the Blah-painting, the pieces are crowding each other.
It's all just too much. Personally, I believe in more purposefully editing and curating the art on display. This is supposed to be a home, after all, not a storage facility (it's not even a gallery, really).
I agree, Lisa. It's poor curation of a pretty uninteresting idea. I'm okay with obsession and narcissism in an artist. What artist isn't? But then again, he's not much of an artist.
James Franko envious of such trash?
Weird Guy haha he knows nothing about art thats why
if it were me, i would have loved to collect even more pre-historic art. Thats just something i absolutely love. you may not like it a lot but me loving it and collecting it doesn't make me a hoarder or a narcissist. I would love to wake up to the sight of these beauties. It is just personal preference.
The money is tacky.
You are only saying that for you have been conditioned that way. Interest in money is NOT automatically tacky. That is just illogical.
How else would it stick to the wall🤔?
@Thornback Sour grapes. 2 up 2 down is it?
One maybe 2 pieces would be interesting and cool, but takes it to a level of vulgarity.
@@J..jj.j 🤣
it actually very suits him. A businessman and money. This House is formal and artistic at the same way
Why all the hate? He is an amazing artist. Some people spend a lot of their money on LUXURY, etc. He just happens to make butterflies and stuff out of it. I find it unique. Good for you! Enjoy!
Hopefully none of those ancient artifacts are from illicit sales out of Syria and Iraq.
I know the Baghdad art museum was plundered during the Iraq War.......I wonder....
???????
American and UK troops also took tons of gold from Iraq and Libya etc. it's not that long ago. They are disgusting.
@2:13 He pulled them of and hid them in the closet for filming.
@@VeganWitch111 Yes ,,unfortunately 🥺 and that was one of the most things that we where so SAD @ that time 😭
Wow. Just wow. Money can't buy you class or artist taste.
I really think this is beautiful. It`s not quite my taste, but i love how passionate he is about it. His art is something for it self, but i love the fact that he gives credit to the artist he takes inspiration from.
Maybe it is just me but kinda a creepy. Nice to look at from a distance but up close not so much. The obsession with money is just disturbing.
This concept house inspired me to introduce more art in my home. Superb.
At first I found the money theme interesting, then it got kind of annoying. BUT, what most worries me is the fact that all the ancient history elements shouldn't be at a personal art collection / property, are they certified???? are they in a temperature and humidity controlled environment???
You got a point, how does someone end up owning so much stuff that should be considered World Heritage?
great video, but it's interesting how he touches almost every single piece of the artwork
I love the fireplace wall, flanked by the white abstract geometry of the shelving and enriched with the tonal ceramic collection. Stunning. I've never seen that concept done as well as that. It's a common solution done uncommonly well.
I can appreciate this home. He’s passionate, you can tell by how he’s speaking. The fact that he has money around and as art lets me know he’s aware that money means everything and nothing all at the same time. The fact that he has ancient artifacts show his appreciation for the hard work done by genius people who would have had all this in their homes ANYWAY. People are way too judgey here. Just relax and try to enjoy it. Who’s to say these won’t be donated once he passes? They look good to me lol
how inspiring! I'm on my way to Walmart to buy some Olmec figurines
He lives here alone?? I never knew 6 story townhouses existed. Astounding.
So interesting his unique way of blending styles, I like it and it feels very personal not just decorated and designed professionally.
Why is there so much hate on the money art! I personally think it's beautiful. The shape and simplicity to the art is so opposite of the ancient art, but like he said it is joining the two together as one style. Also the different types of currency, he's using money from all over the world.
The "money" art is so literal. He has to convince you of how great his artwork is through grandiose adjectives. But the art itself is anodyne and shallow. The interiors are quite nice, but also part of what I call Hong Kong sterile, and I'm sure an architect and decorator are who really created it. These are the wealthy who I find very boring. Good thing he's got lots of money. He would never have made it as an artist.
The money art is a bit excessive ...kinda ratch 😕
its good to have a hobby;)
he's a investor, he loves money.
JaylonPink100
Disgustingly conspicuous and arrogant.
Constructive criticism from broke people. The beauty of life!
What a beautiful curation of different forms of art. The home looks very peaceful. Beautiful! Well done!
His creations are beautiful! I love how his mind works.
I don't usually like contemporary style homes. They generally seem antiseptic to me, but I really like this townhouse! Nice job of collecting and displaying.
Bravo I love the interior design of the house and the works! My favorite are the Han Dynasty statues in gummy bear textures and the piece over the fireplace.
Simply stunning.
Beautiful concept of the house museum. I like the money paintings, the rose paintings and the statuettes and potteries.
I found this conflicting. I thought at first the money pieces interesting but the artists fascination with currency to this degree speaks to some obsession of his own regarding the possesion and power of money, the love of money its transient nature. Maybe the use of butterflies in connection with money? I fou d it in the end disquieting. It distracted for me from the layout which waa interesting. Then the primeval art collection again a most obessional. His desire to control tbis art without understanding it it his thinking the two headed figure was a mother and father is I'm sure uncertain. But overall a very interesting watch. I'd like to hear him discuss these questions
Judith Matthews Hmmmmmmm
Everyone loves money.
I think you are the only person who watched to the END..A Tragic Fellow
his obsession with money into art I find odious....and odd.
That's exactly what I wanted to write
Constructive criticism from broke people. That's the beauty of life!😂🤣
god this place is a bummer.
Not just odious. It is in bad taste. (He needs an art advisor.)
@@LDVTennis that is more like it.
"hey dad I need money for the movies."
"sure thing son, just go take a few bucks off the canvas in the hall."
😁 ..jesus. can you even imagine? ..lol.
Gorgeous. One or two pieces relating to money would have sufficed but to each their own.
Very beautiful collection. Commendable collection
I disagree with many negative comments. He collects what he likes, just as anyone else would do. He is very consistent on what he collects. More so than most people. You don't have to like what he collects, but what you can learn from this is that being consistent with a theme is the correct way to grow intelligence of the subject and quality of the gatherings.
Wow. His house is incredible. That view and that neighborhood. Gorgeous place. His appreciation for art is was interesting and nice to hear about. But certain things seem excessive to me, like the love of money, so much to decorate with it. I appreciate origami though. Anyway, the video sort of made me reaffirm the realization that rich people get bored, fat, old, and die too. Of course we know this. But really. He seems like he has all the money in the world. Yet the way he kind of fingered through his sculptures, while explaining and seeming to genuinely appreciate their story, it felt meaningful. Yet he seemed... somewhat unaffected(?) perhaps bored. And maybe a little sad. 🤷🏻♀️ of course this is just one small, tour video. Who knows. I don’t know him of course. But he alluded to living alone and. Idk. I just imagined waking up with all these rare possessions in an immaculate and empty home. Nothing moves unless you move it. Idk. It felt a little sad. Everyone needs a family or friends so hopefully he has both! 💗
Best comment I've come across in TH-cam so far. You speak with wisdom.
Stephanie Marie l
This comment is so judgemental. I don't think it's fair to brain-dump all your uninformed thoughts about someone you clearly don't know personally. I think complimenting the positive is fair but deciding he's bored, alone/lonely man is pure circumspect & very unfair. There's so much more to a life than some random 7 minute clip. He's an artist, a creative with great appreciation for both modern & primitive artifacts with an incredible design sense. This apt is one of the most spectacular I've seen. I'm nothing but intrigued by this man.
MSL5 I think it’s unrealistic for you to expect everyone should only pay compliments and not express curiosities about all sides. It’s my honest thoughts. I’m entitled to comment however I like. And it was well thought out and expressed in a neutral way. Sorry you have a problem with it.
Your comment is the best comment so far. You have great quality of Understanding and have a great way of giving appreciation. Most of the people on comment section says his idea and art is boring. Why people are so rude while other people having an incredible and outstanding performance for themselves, No respect!!? His art is Finest one, rarely can be seen anywhere. Being a Positive and kind are matter of choices.
I remember when I was in Saint Augustine about a million years ago I met a guy who told me there's a very old blacksmiths forge, or something like that kind of a building and it dated back to the 1700's but actually he'd helped to build it about 1955. So I suspect that someone saw this collector/artist on this video coming from a great distance, and then turned to his mate and said the inevitable "There's one born every minute. Here we go again"
STUNNING IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!! This is one of the most creative, inspiring and unique home galleries I've seen yet on here. What a fascinating man! I'd like to just sit and talk to this him:) Just a beautiful home.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Mr. Becker, who is also a real-estate investor, previously owned a stake in 10 Sullivan Street, a 16-story condo building in SoHo. The developers of the building, Madison Equities and Property Markets Group, got Mr. Becker’s stake in the building in exchange for his townhouse and two others. One of the other townhomes is currently on the market for $16.25 million.
Sounds "Trumpian"
6:33 Nice to see, even rich ppl do their artwork on their dining table.
Am I the only one here or did you guys also think that all that "money art" is boring and in fact actually disgusting?
(...)
mizzmolly I agree☝️. Need for some BUCKS will override the cash bearing art pieces❗️ Gotta pay bills and eat . . .
Boring? Only from an "art" standpoint. 6 story walk-up in Soho? This guy can relate to almost nobody.
Talita Colombini I find it really snobby and generally weird that he says Everyone s obsessed with it
To each his own..as long as he likes it that's all that matters, but I have to agree, art interpreted with money.. the second, third, fourth, fifth piece..did get a little bit much. I'm guessing he understood the more you have the more impressive it is, which is not entirely true. I've always understood discretion to be a more attractive pursuit. Beautiful space though.
individually, I like the pieces and I think they're quite interesting, But have 6 pieces of money art, half of which are "appropriations" of pieces by other artists, is a bit much.
Very inspiring.
Beautiful.❤
The artifacts should be at museums, I wonder how he got them in the first place!
many such artifacts are sold and bought legally through other dealers and collectors
Money dear.
This was dope. I particularly liked the dollar bills turned into skulls.
Fascinating collection. Beautiful spaces.
I'm wondering if there is an issue with 3D scanning an antique work then 3D printing them in gummy bear colors... I'm sure he will sell it as 'his' art... call that appropriation art/copy art?
You'd call it a reproduction. It's very common to be able to purchase replicas of famous paintings and sculptures. He's a retired finance guy, so it's not like this is a big business, it seems to be mostly a hobby for him.
Really enjoyed
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Using banknotes for mandalas reflects absurd contrast, and in a very unsettling fashion.
Aya Hussein I think it’s supposed to be ironic.
It is hard to believe that any part of the irony you are referring to is intentional, it comes off more like a coincidence.
I wonder what percentage of these prehistoric statues were made last year in a factory in China.
this guy is money mad.......he obviously has a ton of it. Yah we get it money money money.
I think his decor is esthetically pleasing.
Love his home ❤
Wooofff!!! What taste he has!!! Just amazing!!!
Very nice, but I have a problem with random "collections" of antiquities taken out of context, and used solely as decorations.On that shelf, I saw Indus valley, pre-Columbian, and Greek (beotian "plank" figure).These things have nothing to do with each other.
Yet they went together. Primitive art.
So what? He likes it. Why does everyone have to judge everything they see online
I like how he assumes everyone's obsessed with money like him. Sounds like the type of people who screw over others for profit
Myballsitchsomethingfierce I do, not sure what that has to do with anything since money means the same thing in every country.
Seen this particular segment a few times... Funny how it doesn't get old... Thank you.
@Thornback
Really? To each their own...
Very much passionate person and collections 👍
Beautiful art work.
Hey, Arther! Funny thing, -my place looks JUST LIKE YOURS!!! 😁Hah, hah, hah. Thanks for sharing.
Love the black walls!
Respect. Nice sunlight coming in through the windows too, I like the light.
This guy is a meaning of intellectual phony.
I couldn't agree more, another self important New Yorker, who is impressed with money.
I think otherwise. This is a guy who wrecks his brain working probably 100 hours a week before he comes to what he is now. High corporate work is of very high pressure. He deserves all the riches he has now.
"It's so contemporary, meaning it doesn't really mean anything"
Why you say something so stupid..
@@ycho420 He is a meaningless being who worships paper over humanity.
Thank you!
Great video and cool collection. Art is subjective, so it is not to be liked... One must try to understand and appreciate it, it matters not the absurdity or oddity.
This is sick.
Beyond Inspiring!
lol, this guy isn't an artist...he was vera wang's housewife for 25 years. He used her money to furnish her house that he rents out for her...how embarrassing listening to him show off her possessions. Horrible taste.
Don't you mean "house husband"?
Gordon Way he has his own company...
Well it isn't any more embarrassing than the wife or girlfriend of a famous athlete/musician showing off the house that they designed using their man's money.
Gordon Way Vera Wang's husband?
for 25 years he should own the house, lol!!!
summary: "I have no taste"
also ..."I love money"
@@enrutuu6052 as well as a charitable definition of the word: 'artist'
Accurate
This is living a reflection of u in every piece of Art l loved the wall wth the money flying in the form of butterflies!!lovely 🌹
Did not want this to END!
I think people are missing the humor in the money piece. Get it? Money? Glittering, floating butterflies? How real money flits and floats...here one minute, is lovely, then gone so fast....? I found it very amusing, and not at all indicative of a fellow obsessed with having it the real thing! 😊👌🏾😂
Wow!!! What a place!!!
I enjoyed the video of your life. Thanks for sharing. What was nice was the honesty and sincerity. No commercialism. What a stunning home you have Steve. I'm jealous 😭. Ha! Ha! Thanks again 😊.
Beautiful...
yeah those sacred totems look great on your ikea shelf...
HAHAHAHAHA
I like the neon 3D-prints he made, they were cool and an interesting way to merge old and new. The money art, not so much. Also like the blah, blah painting!
Absolutely breathtaking
His philosophy is Virgil Abloh-esqe... Appropriate the work of masters and rework.. it's a process of discovery I love too
this wsj serial is a bomb
Absolutely beautiful 😍
nothing like displaying your own 'art' around the house for the ultimate ego trip.
I dont think Thats the problem..its the att he does that doesnt add much
*art
Boring and Tacky were the two things that immediately came to mind as soon as this guy started talking. I left at 2:03.
Nobody is impressed.
I didn't know being an Artist meant displaying plundered artifacts and swapping origami paper with money. This is SICK.
I love what he's done with the money. It definetly reflects societys obsesion, abuse, chase to what essencially is a piece of paper. The art work is beautifully displayed and doesnt need to be in a museum corseted by boxes and lights and red rope. Love the neon sculptures😍
I like a lot of it too. It’s crazy how a lot of commenters hate it
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL
HAHAHAHAHAHAH
Oh man, I could really use that fifty dollar bill plus five ones.
I am a fan!
Interesting... as I wish you and yours Happy Holidays... Abrazos y hasta luego~
In the hallway of both the first and second floor, the Linnaean System constructed of a rainbow of 🌹 in alternating configuration, the butterflies are surrounded by white and grey flecks
Beautiful home!
Love it’s !
One true art..
Love it 👍💯
The 'money' art is about the creepiest stuff I've ever seen. Ugh! There is just something very wrong about it. Worship money, Dude? I couldn't even have a drink there.
So many negative comments!
The house is very nice, but six stories and no elevator? Then it's a walk-up.