Maestro!!! LEONARD BERNSTEIN's Enchanting Dakota Apartment

Step into the elegant world of musical genius Leonard Bernstein as we take you on an exclusive tour of his stunning residence in the iconic Dakota Apartment building. Nestled in the heart of New York City, this historic apartment was not only a home for the maestro but also a place where music, love, and creativity converged.
Join us as we explore the beautifully adorned spaces that witnessed the maestro's daily life, from the grand piano in the living room where he composed some of his most renowned works to the cozy family spaces that echoed with the laughter of his wife and children. Bernstein's Dakota apartment served as a sanctuary for artistic inspiration, filled with treasured memorabilia, timeless furnishings, and an unparalleled view of the city that inspired so much of his music.
Discover the carefully curated rooms that reflect Bernstein's eclectic taste, from the vibrant colors of the music room to the serene ambiance of the library. Each corner of this residence tells a story of a life dedicated to the pursuit of musical excellence and the joy of shared moments with family and friends.
As we delve into the history and significance of the Dakota building itself, marvel at the architectural beauty that housed one of the greatest maestros of the 20th century. From the majestic facade to the intricate details within, the Dakota provided the perfect backdrop for Bernstein's symphony of life.
Join us on this enchanting journey through the past, as we pay homage to the maestro's legacy and explore the spaces that fueled his creative spirit. Leonard Bernstein's Dakota apartment is more than just a dwelling; it's a testament to a life lived in harmony with music, love, and artistic expression.
0:33: 🎶 Exploring Leonard Bernstein's living and working space at the Dakota apartment, filled with famous residents and historical significance.
0:33: Leonard Bernstein's musical genius and living environment
1:00: The Dakota apartment's history of famous residents
1:13: The lasting fame of John Lennon and speculation about historical significance
3:26: 🎬 Exploring the iconic Dakota apartment of Leonard Bernstein in Maestro.
3:26: The Dakota's unique architectural features
3:40: Scenes from Maestro showcasing the apartment's grandeur
4:43: Layout and features of Bernstein's apartment
6:52: 🏢 Enchanting tour of Leonard Bernstein's Dakota apartment with dining room, living room, and library.
6:52: Dining room with natural Oak color and round table
7:12: Living room with antique wicker and baby grand pianos
8:04: Massive living room with ornate car fireplace and pocket doors
11:00: 🎶 Legendary composer's Dakota apartment, auction, and sales.
11:00: Leonard Bernstein's Dakota apartment holds emotional attachment for many.
11:41: Auction of Bernstein's personal items benefits education fund.
12:36: Dakota's most expensive sale in 1997 was Leonard Bernstein's former studio.
15:30: 🎶 Exploring the Dakota apartment once occupied by Leonard Bernstein and the Milstein siblings' gatherings.
15:30: The Milstein siblings hosted gatherings in the apartment inspired by its artistic history.
15:54: There is no indication that Leonard Bernstein's spirit was summoned in the apartment.
16:08: Leonard Bernstein is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn.
Recapped using Tammy AI
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[@StrangeHistoryX]

Thank you all for watching the videos and a HUGE THANK YOU for those who support the channel as a KZbin Members and especially on Patreon. Just as little as $5 a month helps the channel tremendously!!! Please click here: www.patreon.com/StrangeHistory Thank you! 🙂

[@1burnman]

You're welcome thank you for posting all these videos they are really treasures

[@marthawolfsen5809]

I spent an afternoon with Leonard Bernstein, as one of crew on a sailboat he chartered. He really made us, the crew, feel like we were part of the party! For someone so famous he was amazingly warm and kind.

[@namvet1968]

How big was that boat? Cool story.

[@mariannanemeth6433]

I love it, just the way it is. Completely my taste, I would not change anything. Amazing!

[@lindaasleson2201]

The windows and the high ceilings help make the space extraordinary. It’s all beautiful. Love this video, and thank you.

[@thatbrandychick]

RIP Leonard Bernstein. What an incredible apartment. I’d love to tour this building, it’s beautiful!❤

[@alanblanes2876]

Amazing how time flies; I thought he had only passed away more recently.

[@deloreshook1387]

I think I would leave the decorations mostly the way they had it. Very comfy and cozy. ❤

[@janewasson4845]

Glad it wasn't torn apart and modernized. Lovely!

[@TheNancypoo]

I wouldn't want to live there ever... So unhomely...

[@barbaraobrien3522]

Happy to see a Steinway, sweetest sound. Great video.☆☆☆☆☆

[@Tinkerbe11]

I watched a making of Maestro today, where they had this 3D map of Leonard Bernstein's Dakota appartment, which they had re-created because they could not film there. And I was immediately thinking of you, Scott!

[@StrangeHistoryX]

Oooooooh. I gotta find that. Where did you watch that?

[@Tinkerbe11]

@@StrangeHistoryX I just watched your video, and you have a lot more pictures and information than this making of.

[@bgraif]

Bernstein was a genius who enriched the lives of many, and good to see the large NY Times front page paying homage, unlike when fellow Dakota resident John Lennon was murdered a decade earlier, for whom The NY Times allotted only a small below-the-fold mention, a snub I will never forgive.

[@1burnman]

Absolutely

[@giovanna722]

Hard to imagine the Times being so disrespectful.

[@namvet1968]

Holy shit.

[@patrickpagano9]

Beautiful decor..I would have it exactly the same ! Love that building

[@phototaker111]

Thanks for another truly wonderful video. Small tidbit about the furnishings that I can add: That's Augustus Saint-Gaudens's Diana on a pedestal in the window of the library (12:53). The original was on the top of Stanford White's Madison Square Garden.

[@StrangeHistoryX]

Thanks for the info! That's cool.

[@gljm]

To be more precise it's actually Saint-Gaudens' second version of Diana as can be seen by the fact that it's perched on it's left Toe. The first version , because of problems with the casting was redesigned and balanced on its heel. The second version was also the very first public statue illuminated with the new fangled "Electric Lights".

[@kathysawhill1996]

The woodwork, the windows , the ceilings. Wow. The carved wood surrounding those lamps! What’s there to change, nothing in my opinion. If only. Lovely film.

[@milarazal5058]

It was the oddest and shortest and yet MOST Spectacular time in architecture

[@chairlesnicol672]

​@@milarazal5058They also excluded Jackie Kennedy from the celeb list who lived there a long time!

[@marquamfurniture]

What an incredible job of research you have done! Just BRILLIANT!! Thank you so much.

[@stevefranks1711]

I remember when the Bersteins' Dakota apartment was featured in "Architectural Digest" in the late 1970s -- it made a vivid impression. So beautiful, warm, and interesting. Thanks for this interesting and informative video.

[@stevefranks1711]

I checked: the Arch. Digest article was in the Sept. 1984 issue (not the late 1970s, as I said above).

[@donnasherwood283]

it would in the 70s hideous just disgusting. for good taste at the time try Bunny Mellon or Billy Baldwin another "gay" jerk of the time. reflects his awful aesthetic sensibility YUCK pretentious to say the least worst shot is the dope sitting at his grand piano inlaid in preposterous poses

[@KJ-xc6qs]

But their northeast exposure kept the apartment cool and dark.

[@chairlesnicol672]

​@If they were in the NE section, would they b able to view Central Park ?

[@jhash9554]

It’s Amazing. Great apartment

[@vinotash9261]

Thank you so much, for displaying these wonderful photos, especially during the approaching movie about Bernstein. I’m from NY, and have always been fascinated by the Dakota.

[@Arlene2]

Great video, Thank you!

[@edwardnielsen3408]

It’s a personalized apartment. It does not look like a bordello. It’s eclectic and includes many classic details.

[@patrickpagano9]

I would live in that building anytime !!

[@user-fd2rk7ug5y]

Love New York and the Dakota's

[@1burnman]

Yes I would love to live there and I would decorate it just like the Bernstein's did with a lot of antiques and classic look

[@marcoscaba3846]

As Bugs Bunny once said, " So many INTERESTING people".

[@derekdalton5658]

Do you think Bugs would have approved of these 2 heirs with nothing better to do than conduct seances? 🤢🤮 Such "interesting people"

[@marcoscaba3846]

LOL. Bugs was giving a haircut to a monster at the time he said it!

[@MarkGentry-xn6te]

I am glad they kept all the original woodwork and fixtures.

[@abbynormal206]

I ALWAYS enjoy your farewell message calling out the Beatles and other geniuses who have chosen not to eat or wear animals. just a few kind words count.

[@sharonpolome3033]

Stunning apartment. I love it just like it IS..........

[@GoneWithTheGail]

Love this! Great job, Scott!

[@StrangeHistoryX]

Thanks so much! I am glad you liked it.

[@joyceharrison1682]

Thank you! This was enchanting.

[@1Clearwords]

Gorgeous, old-world interiors and decor! ❤

[@lilsheba1]

Interesting VIDEO with some cool PHOTOS.

[@Linda-pw8gx]

I’ll always choose warm and comfy❤

[@arundelmercure553]

Really loved this, thank you. Dreamy place, what a history. Been inside the Dakota once - I attended a reception/buffet dinner/afterparty after a gallery art opening of a painter I was friendly with. Lots of big art world names were there (this was 32 years ago.) The reception rooms were huge, tasteful, sumptuous. Gorgeously lit in the evening. Sprawling apartment, long polished wood hallways, but get this- the owner didn't even live there. He kept this apartment solely to house his art collection! I suppose his real apartment where he lived must have been really something! Imagine having a Dakota apartment just to house your possessions and not people, ha. And I suppose host parties like the one I attended. Delicious jumbalaya was the dinner. I really enjoyed being there.

[@StrangeHistoryX]

Wow, yeah, the lives of the incredibly rich and famous are most certainly not like the rest of us. I guess some people need to display their art work someplace ... and it may as well be at the Dakota. :)

[@nicolasdelaforge7420]

What is amazing is that, in these sort of apartments, I think mostly on the Eastern side of the US and and in parts of Europe, you can play the piano and rehearse West Side Story and dance it too, and tap dance even if you had invited G Hines, and the neighbors can't hear you. Also the heating is the coil type, which is noiseless and keeps the temperature even and not this wind blowing through your home, as we have here on the Western side of the country. Hardwood floors with rugs are favored over the dreadful wall to wall carpets. I visited a girl friend in Paris, she worked for a family who lived on the entire floor of the apartment, and another floor was occupied by Catherine Deneuve. We went up to the floor above us once and when the occupants opened the door, there was a wall of sound of rock music that blew me back, literally, it was so loud, but we could not hear it on our floor, and barely when approaching their entry door. Because of these elements, the richest people may chose to live in an apartment and not a house, even L Bernstein.

[@marioncapriotti1514]

A fascinating tour of Lenny's beautiful apartment. Most of the colors are much darker than I'd personally prefer, but the warmth and comfort of the spaces in his huge, beautiful apartment still shine through. I so love seeing that his kids just lived their lives, grew up and played the pianos, whenever they wanted -- and we now know, they all turned out to be amazing people. Wonderful video, thank you!

[@quentincrisp6933]

This is the set from the film not his apartment!

[@hamsterdiving7593]

This was great, thank you! ❤

[@milarazal5058]

I would keep it warm and comfortable and certainly alllll pocket doors, wescott windows, trampsie windows, etc etc ....truly mansions that inspired and encouraged humanity ...whether you lived in them or not

[@kamahayes5730]

This is fantastic!! I have been fascinated by the Dakota forever!! Please note that when you refer to the "Set Designer" you actually mean the Production Designer, who is the head of the Art Department. A set designer is the person that draws the plans.

[@tiffsaver]

WOW. Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane...

[@valeriebigley8759]

That one mirror was massive. Wonder how they got it in there. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@yubantwo2086]

As with grand pianos and other large or awkward sized furniture, the most likely went through the window after taking apart the furniture as m6ch as possible. I lived 14 blocks north of the Dakota and often saw deliveries this way.

[@valeriebigley8759]

@@yubantwo2086 thank you for sharing ❤️

[@marilynmichaels8358]

this documentary is a treasure.

[@gaileagan5364]

I love seeing the Leonard Bernstein at the Dakota !! I would love to see it when all the other people and stars were living there too , it’s so beautiful seeing the pictures of stars and their rooms . Scott, you have shared all the photos of the Leonard Bernstein and other people to see the inside of the building and the inside of their rooms, it’s great !!! I really loved the Leonard’s Dakota rooms , thank you for sharing them with us !!!

[@StrangeHistoryX]

You are most welcome, Gail. Thanks for checking out the video. Yeah, Lenny's apartment was as amazing as him. I wish there were more photos of his apartment out there. Perhaps someday his kids will get in touch with me and together we can do another video to showcase the extraordinary life they lived while living there.

[@tamaracashour23love]

Very good! And thank you for being kind to animals!

[@stevefranks1711]

BTW: The professionally-taken photo of the library at 7:22 is from the Architectural Digest article about the apartment (in the September 1984 issue), as are several of the subsequent professional photographs. of the apartment.

[@maestrovso]

When I saw the title, I thought Bernstein had a retreat in Dakota. 😁 I really enjoyed the film.

[@Brian-bp5pe]

They just don't build them like they used to. Anyone lucky enough to find themselves living in The Dakota is very fortunate, indeed! I think a building like that calls for decorating in a complementary style.

[@brianheffernan8982]

That was a wonderful video.

[@danutat9915]

Warm and comfortable ❤

[@mercurial5810]

I worked as a personal assistant in that very apartment in the early 2000s. There was a grand piano in the living room with a piece of Bernstein's music on it. The entire apartment was magnificent, beyond what is conveyed in the photos. We entered through a servant's entrance and took an elevator (or stairs) into the aparment kitchen area. I so regret not taking photos there. That was just before the iphone came out. I saw Lauren Bacall in the stairway one day. She was still beautiful, but mean looking. She did not have the best reputation in terms of her attitude. The owner sold up and moved to the UES. What a shame! Oh the stories I could tell!......

[@StrangeHistoryX]

Oh, please do tell. You can even email me if you like. I’d love to know more.

[@malcolmwhitehead7225]

GREAT, ...Matched Lenny 's ego. M.W

[@mdleweight]

Nice to see someone is interested in Leonard Bernstein's life. In late 1984 I had the privilege of being invited to Lenny's Dakota residence. I don't remember a lot of details but your photos and videos do trigger some good memories.

[@stevenponte6655]

Interestingly I just watched the movie and didnt really like it. It was more about his "gossip" life, then his artistic genius life. If you blinked you would have missed the reference to West Side Story!

[@LucyLennon20]

Wonderful film🎥👌

[@johnmorris6800]

R.I.P. Maestro

[@elizabeth-rm5hc]

DAKOTA ARQUITETURA MARAVILHOSA FATOS SURREAIS PITADAS VERDADEIRAS

[@bluzzedude8111]

Very nice, although I doubt that thousands of people lined the street to get a glimpse of Bernstein like they did John Lennon. Lennon's fame was unprecedented in entertainment history!

[@UncaDave]

So well done! Great research too.

[@kyleonthedial]

Beautiful tour loved it! Let's please hope someone invites us inside one day.

[@jennifs6868]

I absolutely love this apartment. The kids from the music festivals who had played with Lenny were invited to a party at his place on new year's eve in 1990, between the rehearsal and the concert in his memory at St John the Divine. I did not bring a camera, so you can imagine how dumb i feel about now. It was just totally surreal, with the books and art coating the entire place. One back hallway was completely covered in drawings and comics of him which friends and artists had made over the years. #legendary human

[@hummarstraful]

Terrific video! I used to work across the street from the Dakota.

[@gregoryg3256]

🌠Another Good Video Man...Happy New Year ....

[@StrangeHistoryX]

Happy new year!

[@dragnflei]

I liked the second apartment much better. The windows! I’m curious if there have been any Dakota residents who have had light, open, uncluttered interiors?

[@patrickpagano9]

This is my 2nd time viewing this incredible video..I love the Dakota.I would design it the same exact way as Mr. Bernstein.. Like you said, I’d be happy if I were ever invited to the Dakota for Tea & pastries

[@caroleem1319]

Wouldn’t change anything Showed the personality of the owners.. esp the library of their books and their unique collection of artifacts etc

[@mariaskinnider115]

Thank you for fantastic series about the Dakota. I’m off to watch Maestro. Best wishes from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@weeverob]

this was terrific! thanks so much!

[@laurielyon7740]

Loved the tour of this magnificent residence. I agree with another comment….’ I wouldn’t change a thing’. The set designers did a marvellous job. As for the film Maestro, I found myself frequently checking my watch. (Same thing happens, though, if I’m forced to listen to Bruckner…..)

[@jft8994]

Interesting to listen to one of the daughters talking about the heavy smoking at the time. Invited people had their own ashtray at the dining table. Had to be crazy. Sadly, his wife died of lung cancer and he had a heart attack induced by mesothelioma, a consequence of a lifetime of smoking.

[@marleneciborowski4343]

Thought the Bernstein decor was a little overdone, almost Victorian looking. But the apartment space is amazing. Great video.

[@brucetidwell7715]

The space is breathtaking! I would probably decorate it in a similar way, although a little more formal and less cluttered. Few if any plants. I love the arch windows but it's a toss, for me between having those windows and having the same floor plan a few floors higher with a better view and less street noise.

[@Mullally57]

Well done Scott another excellent video and fascinating love the photos and the interesting stories surrounding the celebrities in this fantastic building

[@geegeelast7597]

Very lovely.

[@karenkranz2682]

♥

[@springsogourne]

Rosemary’s Baby always comes to mind when I think of the Dakota.

[@Colorbrush21]

When I read about the Dakota, I think of Rosemary's Baby too. I wonder if the laundry room still looks as creepy as it did in the movie. I could never live in the Dakota. Although grand and beautiful, it's just too creepy for me.

[@sallyreno6296]

The building in that movie was NOT the Dakota (only the exterior) The two interiors look nothing alike.@@Colorbrush21

[@silva7493]

I love it!!! I'd only change all of the lighting to 6500 kelvin.

[@herves1716]

7:15 and 12:40 show the living room which is the only room having 2 windows side by side. Those windows overlook W 73 street where there are no trees. 3:45 in the film, those 2 windows overlook Central Park and show a parade with Snoopy.

[@Ettoredipugnar]

Beautiful !!!

[@andrewbrendan1579]

This comment might be considered more appropriate to one of the Dakot videos inspired by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, but I think it's more likely to be read here in this most recent video. I read this from Yoko Ono that I think people will enjoy. Ms. Ono said, "Try to say nothing negative about anybody for three days, for forty-five days, for three months. See what happens to your life".

[@kahlodiego5299]

❤👍

[@marcguimaraes]

I just love that you are showing more of the interesting people that lived in the Dakota. 👍👍🫶 PS: I wouldn’t change a thing….

[@wallymarcel1]

Gorgeous decor.

[@user-xt3gh6du9r]

Thank you

[@fusunonal3838]

❤🎶🎶🎶❤

[@alexking8610]

Hi ,just want to say thanks for your video's about the Dakota building. I have spent a little time in NYC and stayed mostly on 72nd Street West and the Dakota is my favorite building in Manhattan so it has been wonderful to see what it's like inside . Thank you very much 🙏

[@jenh9361]

GORGEOUS APARTMENT ❤❤❤ I would definitely live there if I had the means too!!! Bet, his kids wished they had leased the place instead of selling it!!! WOW... $$$ Not so taken with the newest owners... Bad ju-ju Great tour... Thanks for sharing 🎉

[@gaileagan5364]

Thanks!

[@nancywysemen7196]

pretty darn fancy and crowded......

[@TOMBSTONEWHISPERZ]

Great video!

[@shannonmerrifield1837]

Gorgeous!!

[@mariajoseanceriz8370]

I saw the movie its great.

[@4ownnothing6]

Any photos of the study in the attic? I knew it well. Would love to see some photos.

[@karenstanislaw8912]

Very well done - subtle presentation, thoughtful, good visuals. We get a nuanced sense of the physical privilege Mr. Bernstein's regal and vibrant karma afforded. What a path! You're obviously connected, engaged, impassioned on many levels, and I appreciate your reminder as you close to be a more conscious, caring citizen. I'm appreciative, and touched, and will subscribe. Wondrous finds and fortune to you in the new year.

[@rma3_3_3]

❤ he was a true artist in music without any question ❤ Hmm, learned more about him in this video. In my thoughts on this man’s life & apartment, better to live in {1} room & have peace & please The Heavens, than have any mansion! ❤❤❤

[@vegetariansuniteworldwide8091]

What a genius and so gorgeous! I wonder if he hung out with John Lennon? I wonder if Sean Lennon will move back to the Dakota when Yoko kicks the bucket? He was asked to leave the Dakota because of his loud guitar music. 😂

[@yubantwo2086]

Surely, he could have found a studio to practice in or use head phones. He most likely left the nest, like most children do.

[@quentincrisp6933]

This is the set from the film!

[@robertfass9681]

How about one of John's apartment.

[@bobschaaf2549]

In the early 90s, I knew Bernstein's assistant, Charlie Harmon, through mutual friends. One afternoon I got to tour the apartment, and it was just "too much", as Bernstein himself often was. You could tell it was designed for comfort, but opulence kept getting in the way. It sort of creeped me out. BTW, you neglected to mention that his piano was a beautifully maintained Bösendorfer Imperial Grand, with extra keys going all the way down to low F. Too much? You tell me.

[@StrangeHistoryX]

I wish I knew more about pianos. No doubt he had quite a number of pianos in his various home. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

Too much? At least he had the taste and the money to go with it. It's not crass and full of crap like Mar-a-Lago.

[@bobschaaf2549]

@@ingvarhallstrom2306 Yes, all the surfeit was exquisitely chosen, but must Trump be the inevitable comparison? That's really low-hanging fruit.

[@joannabarouch9190]

Who else would own a Bösendorfer Imperial! He was officially a Baldwin artist. The old Baldwins were like the the Golden Age Steinways! But the Bösendorfer would be fun to play.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

At 12:50 in the library we can see at the window a statue that seems to be Diana the Huntress and which also seems to be a recreation of the statue that was atop the original Madison Square Garden building and for which Evelyn Nesbitt was the model. --- This beautiful apartment is enough to make me give up minimalism! I love the mixture of warmth, maximilism and in an old-fashioned style.

[@klarakrok]

What a treat! Bittersweet affair

[@jeanwillis7774]

I find it,a little creepy,and I like antiquities,it was also rather over crowded for my taste,however,there are parts that are charming and I think it was very Lenny Bernstein,whom I adore/ed.This is a great video thanks.🇨🇦

[@roncaron8939]

have you done an epo on the GORDEN GREENFIELD apartment?

[@KattEyl]

Im sure the children helped with recreating the apartment

[@stevenponte6655]

what an amazing apartment. Did it take up the entire 2nd floor or were there other apartments there?

[@sallyreno6296]

There was another apartment on the second floor (my aunt and uncles's) on that side of the building, next door to the Bernsteins' that shared stairs, and an elevator. There were also two other second floor sides but the three sides do not connect.

[@stevenponte6655]

@@sallyreno6296 Fascinating. nice thanks for that. My piano teacher told me she once went there for a private recital!