Tour a Stunning New York Townhouse with a Museum-Level Art Collection | WSJ Mansion

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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[@alessandrobava2069]

love this new WSJ comedy series !!

[@vijayakrishnan3131]

Nothing says sophistication like plundered artifacts displayed so elegantly.

[@AnArchaicSoul]

Succinct and exactly how I felt.

[@ycho420]

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.

[@johndunbar1678]

@@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.

[@AaronGarton666]

"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.

[@ImStuckInStockton]

I'm sure he paid for them lol

[@davidcattin7006]

Stunning home and collection. What a joy it must be to live surrounded by all that beauty.

[@Lotus80hz]

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.

[@dianatracy9687]

Maybe some one will report him.. WSJ should check more closley

[@angelbaby1811]

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?

[@ZAINI25]

I’m assuming Illegally taken and then “legally” bought so it’s complicated 🤷‍♂️

[@harveyspecter111]

@@mehkmalik4592 bulk of Indus valley is in india Mr malik

[@jamesworthen1095]

Its amazing listening to any art collector who can truly articulate their collection.

[@nmj2411]

What a beautiful curation of different forms of art. The home looks very peaceful. Beautiful! Well done!

[@harperwelch5147]

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.

[@FashionDivaNY]

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.

[@marquamfurniture]

Agreed. It quickly gets tiresome.

[@hagaiherrnstadt2502]

Bad art

[@shawnrenegar4641]

The money is tacky.

[@AminTheMystic]

You are only saying that for you have been conditioned that way. Interest in money is NOT automatically tacky. That is just illogical.

[@J..jj.j]

How else would it stick to the wall🤔?

[@AminTheMystic]

@Thornback Sour grapes. 2 up 2 down is it?

[@Account-pq1it]

One maybe 2 pieces would be interesting and cool, but takes it to a level of vulgarity.

[@tiffanymedrano1230]

@@J..jj.j 🤣

[@mfzv87]

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.

[@meowzillaaa]

EXACTLY

[@riverratbond007]

Ha, go onto Ebay, the goofy soulless Syrians are selling genuine artifacts pennies on the dollar

[@nohaaboulmagd4597]

@@riverratbond007 "Goofy, soulless Syrians"? What planet do you live on? And, are you condoning buying loot if the seller is goofy and soulless?

[@riverratbond007]

@@nohaaboulmagd4597 you got my point!

[@SometimeAgo65]

@@nohaaboulmagd4597 Why not, if given the chance??

[@tankrium]

great video, but it's interesting how he touches almost every single piece of the artwork

[@lt3490]

His creations are beautiful! I love how his mind works.

[@christopherdavis9425]

So interesting his unique way of blending styles, I like it and it feels very personal not just decorated and designed professionally.

[@AaronGarton666]

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.

[@ninatomsic4612]

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.

[@dianatracy9687]

Sort of Raiders of the Lost Arc...kinda Guy

[@PaolaEnergya]

This concept house inspired me to introduce more art in my home. Superb.

[@menaseven9093]

Beautiful concept of the house museum. I like the money paintings, the rose paintings and the statuettes and potteries.

[@merrywalsh2809]

Fascinating collection. Beautiful spaces.

[@Garland67]

He lives here alone?? I never knew 6 story townhouses existed. Astounding.

[@sarahaboumrad935]

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.

[@SoCalFreelance]

Hopefully none of those ancient artifacts are from illicit sales out of Syria and Iraq.

[@VeganWitch111]

I know the Baghdad art museum was plundered during the Iraq War.......I wonder....

[@dianatracy9687]

???????

[@SW-wf3gy]

American and UK troops also took tons of gold from Iraq and Libya etc. it's not that long ago. They are disgusting.

[@bhotsnax]

@2:13 He pulled them of and hid them in the closet for filming.

[@zuuzsh.4373]

@@VeganWitch111 Yes ,,unfortunately 🥺 and that was one of the most things that we where so SAD @ that time 😭

[@ad-ir3wk]

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.

[@ManjuSingh-io6ix]

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 🌹

[@AAMM710]

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

[@cathykristensen4440]

Beautiful art work.

[@lilyg7533]

it actually very suits him. A businessman and money. This House is formal and artistic at the same way

[@Mengjoanne]

Love the black walls!

[@ObservingtheMatrix]

Wow. Just wow. Money can't buy you class or artist taste.

[@sudhiirkrishnan]

Very beautiful collection. Commendable collection

[@andyokus5735]

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 😊.

[@que_93]

Wooofff!!! What taste he has!!! Just amazing!!!

[@eagillum]

Respect. Nice sunlight coming in through the windows too, I like the light.

[@sheilagrayman7147]

Very inspiring. Beautiful.❤

[@ashleyfield63]

I wonder what percentage of these prehistoric statues were made last year in a factory in China.

[@271207]

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).

[@swicheroo1]

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.

[@weirdguy4948]

James Franko envious of such trash?

[@notyou5928]

Weird Guy haha he knows nothing about art thats why

[@aritrakarakart5163]

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.

[@pennykent5687]

Hey, Arther! Funny thing, -my place looks JUST LIKE YOURS!!! 😁Hah, hah, hah. Thanks for sharing.

[@annefrommoors9847]

how inspiring! I'm on my way to Walmart to buy some Olmec figurines

[@fidobarks]

his obsession with money into art I find odious....and odd.

[@GLOmorous22]

That's exactly what I wanted to write

[@glamorsocial7081]

Constructive criticism from broke people. That's the beauty of life!😂🤣

[@catjohnson007]

god this place is a bummer.

[@LDVTennis]

Not just odious. It is in bad taste. (He needs an art advisor.)

[@arlinejernigan]

@@LDVTennis that is more like it.

[@maryalicepisa]

Beautiful home!

[@danieljulianadames]

Wow!!! What a place!!!

[@void________]

6:33 Nice to see, even rich ppl do their artwork on their dining table.

[@dorfone]

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.

[@ayahussein2732]

Using banknotes for mandalas reflects absurd contrast, and in a very unsettling fashion.

[@rudimakole7825]

Aya Hussein I think it’s supposed to be ironic.

[@ayahussein2732]

It is hard to believe that any part of the irony you are referring to is intentional, it comes off more like a coincidence.

[@steviedavidson7028]

Absolutely beautiful 😍

[@jacintagauda7524]

Beyond Inspiring!

[@dagnajanasz-tchaparian5535]

Beautiful...

[@tylerclark-realtor]

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.

[@chantaledaudelin]

Thank you!

[@aydansaa]

The artifacts should be at museums, I wonder how he got them in the first place!

[@aritrakarakart5163]

many such artifacts are sold and bought legally through other dealers and collectors

[@andizhanstuey]

Money dear.

[@ibinfo-tube5063]

Very much passionate person and collections 👍

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

Love his home ❤

[@Rosesyoutube]

Really enjoyed

[@dianatracy9687]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@JoseBYOB]

This was dope. I particularly liked the dollar bills turned into skulls.

[@judithmatthews8460]

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

[@marshacreary9771]

Judith Matthews Hmmmmmmm

[@J.0.E.]

Everyone loves money.

[@dianatracy9687]

I think you are the only person who watched to the END..A Tragic Fellow

[@luisfelipedelosheros]

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???

[@milugardeimagenysonido]

You got a point, how does someone end up owning so much stuff that should be considered World Heritage?

[@jahliv9]

Anyone know the paint technique used to get the grey colored walls at :20?

[@SABOREAME68]

Interesting... as I wish you and yours Happy Holidays... Abrazos y hasta luego~

[@JaylonBrooke]

The money art is a bit excessive ...kinda ratch 😕

[@jo_magpie]

its good to have a hobby;)

[@williamfrater00]

he's a investor, he loves money.

JaylonPink100 Disgustingly conspicuous and arrogant.

[@glamorsocial7081]

Constructive criticism from broke people. The beauty of life!

[@d.stoute4202]

I think his decor is esthetically pleasing.

[@b3tres]

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?

[@theshion005]

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.

[@albertrobin9621]

Love it 👍💯

[@stephan1emar1e]

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! 💗

[@MrJustJib]

Best comment I've come across in KZbin so far. You speak with wisdom.

[@gabrielbryanlicao7199]

Stephanie Marie l

[@msl5131]

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.

[@stephan1emar1e]

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.

[@ashokgurung2632]

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.

[@missinglink9973]

this guy is money mad.......he obviously has a ton of it. Yah we get it money money money.

[@washingtonquintuna7619]

Love ❤️ the place .

[@marshacreary9771]

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

[@TheNeverposts]

summary: "I have no taste"

[@enrutuu6052]

also ..."I love money"

[@TheNeverposts]

@@enrutuu6052 as well as a charitable definition of the word: 'artist'

[@mitchellhughes5180]

Accurate

[@wesleyy3846]

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.

[@dianatracy9687]

Sounds "Trumpian"

[@alyssaly3784]

Love it’s !

[@revanelson8810]

Oh man, I could really use that fifty dollar bill plus five ones.

[@jenniferprevost8]

Gorgeous. One or two pieces relating to money would have sufficed but to each their own.

[@shutingguo1897]

love the video's background music

[@alvitaarumdati4264]

every artist works individually, i also know they influence one anotther, but ive never seen this form of influences or referencing in this state but his journey has just begun

[@aammssaamm]

This is sick.

[@ClaudyArfaras]

Seen this particular segment a few times... Funny how it doesn't get old... Thank you.

[@ClaudyArfaras]

@Thornback Really? To each their own...

[@reginavalerie1]

wow that vase could tip over

[@cabreras670soujahafaadaima9]

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!

[@foreverimp]

i liked the colored statues:)

[@unrkhan]

I am a fan!

[@charlestaylor6279]

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"

[@aghoshal4755]

His philosophy is Virgil Abloh-esqe... Appropriate the work of masters and rework.. it's a process of discovery I love too

[@MaxineAGGuess]

I love your collection of art, pots and figures. You have amazing artistic taste. And your townhouse is spectacular!❤️💕

[@thomashumphrey7395]

Very interesting.

[@Wisagapi]

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.

[@brianhudson7822]

REEKS OF EFFORT!!! PRETENTIOUS AND VOID OF STYLE.

[@phine_27]

nice home

[@MrKrayola13]

I like how he assumes everyone's obsessed with money like him. Sounds like the type of people who screw over others for profit

[@MrKrayola13]

Myballsitchsomethingfierce I do, not sure what that has to do with anything since money means the same thing in every country.

[@avisiktachakraborty3438]

One true art..

[@void________]

I like the pottery.

[@curdlarsen5882]

this wsj serial is a bomb

[@Evolution-ld2he]

Is this Mr. Crabs address?

[@lucasgrondin5303]

yeah those sacred totems look great on your ikea shelf...

[@dianatracy9687]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@jenns.5791]

"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.

[@stareye8]

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.

[@dianatracy9687]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@s.k.3891]

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.

[@AminTheMystic]

Yet they went together. Primitive art.

[@GODOFLIQUOR]

So what? He likes it. Why does everyone have to judge everything they see online

[@Sluchowiska]

This guy is a meaning of intellectual phony.

[@riverratbond007]

I couldn't agree more, another self important New Yorker, who is impressed with money.

[@ycho420]

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.

[@tristanmachale36]

"It's so contemporary, meaning it doesn't really mean anything"

[@cliffdariff74]

Why you say something so stupid..

[@FacheChanteDeux]

@@ycho420 He is a meaningless being who worships paper over humanity.

[@rhettgreene]

2:15 I'm assuming the empty shelf was a sculpture of something phallic 🙊

[@janetjones4310]

Good taste!!!

[@Stuarts84]

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!

[@an.dr.16561]

What kind of flowers are those the. White ones... They use them in every video

[@harry-cf4wu]

weird that he explains his own stuff and not the francis bacon above his bed

[@Richardsnave]

I don't think it's a Francis Bacon... too cute.