LACMA acquires mansion featured in ‘The Big Lebowski’

The Big Lebowski is a piece of cinematic art, but is the mansion featured in it a work of art, too? The Los Angeles County Museum of Art thinks so and has acquired the $40 million mansion.

The gravity-defying mansion, built in 1963 in Beverly Hills, was owned by Ben Gazzara’s character in the 1998 film by Joel and Ethan Coen. In reality, it was designed by architect John Lautner and has been owned by James F. Goldstein since 1972, reports The Los Angeles Times. Now, Goldstein is donating it to the LACMA.

The museum estimates that the gift of the mansion is worth $40 million, but Goldstein told the Times that the number was “conservative.” The gift also includes a $17 million maintenance fund and a building next to the house with an office and nightclub. The buildling also feautres James Turrell’s skyscape artwork.

“For me it ranks as one of the most important houses in all of L.A.,” LACMA CEO Michael Govan told the Times. “And as one of the most L.A. houses, because of its connection to the view, that long view toward the ocean.”

Even though he donated the house to the museum, Goldstein will still live in it and will allow the museum to give tours and host events.

The museum is hosting an event at the house today to announce the gift. It also posted photos on Twitter.

Of course, Lebowski star Jeff Bridges also recorded a video for the museum.

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