Home is where the art is
It is a whirlwind of a tour at the Weisman Foundation. For 1.5 hours, a small group of visitors gathers at the former home of Frederick R. Weisman, and is whisked through room after room of the Mediterranean-style mansion.. The dazzling array of artwork overflows with modern and contemporary pieces by Kandinsky, Picasso, Giacometti, Miró, Magritte, and Warhol, as well as lesser-known artists. In fact, the eclectic collection is so extensive, some paintings are placed on the ceiling.
Weisman made his mark as a businessman, first at Val Vita Cannery, then at Hunt Foods, where he became president at age 31. In 1970, he became one of the first American distributors of Toyota cars. He used his fortune to make philanthropic contributions as well as buy important works of art, predominantly in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Info
Address Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90077, +1.310.277.5321, www.weismanfoundation.org, tours@weismanfoundation.org | Getting there Inside gate only; no street parking allowed | Hours Tours by appointment only: Mon–Fri 10:30am & 2pm. Exact address will be given to guests once they have booked their tour.| Tip Visit another grand estate, Virginia Robinson Gardens (1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210). Built in 1911, it is one of the first homes in Beverly Hills.
Among the foundation’s eight Andy Warhols is an iconic suite of ten big and bold Marilyn Monroes, which hang in the Grand Stair of the Annex building. Roy Lichtensteins abound, including his 1977 Reclining Nude. Ed Ruscha’s World and its Onions is placed prominently in the master suite (hint: look up).
Modernist Willem de Kooning’s breakthrough painting, Pink Angels, is located to the right of the fireplace in the living room. In contrast and close by is one of his rare black-and-white paintings, Dark Pond – pensive and brooding. The flowery, plush furniture in the room reflects the style of the late 20th-century.
Weisman’s library includes two life-size figures of his parents by artist Duane Hanson, whose various hyper-realistic sculptures of people are scattered throughout the house.
The passionate collector wanted to share his good fortune in business with the public by inviting people into his home to experience art in a more personal setting.
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