The Coen Brothers 1998 comedy The Big Lebowski long ago entered the pantheon of cult classics. Now, an iconic part of that film has been donated to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), so that it can be turned into a museum and a symbol of architectural creativity.
According to AM2, the home that was used as the set for the home of porn kingpin Jackie Treehorn in The Big Lebowski is now a part of the collection of LACMA. The $40 million home in the Hollywood hills is known as the Sheats Goldstein house, and is owned by James Goldstein. He told AM2 that he feels Los Angeles "should represent a city that's contemporary and moving into the future," and noted that he wanted the house to stand as an inspiration to future generations of architects so that they move "into the future instead of the past."
In case you aren’t up to date on your knowledge of stoner, neo-noir, comedy, crime films, The Big Lebowski was about devoted Los Angeles bowler Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, who also happens to be a devoted middle-aged slacker. After being assaulted due to mistaken identity, he finds out that there’s a millionaire of the same name (the Big Lebowski of the title) who was the intended target. Soon, The Dude is roped into a kidnapping plot and a variety of schemes, double crosses and dirty dealings involving a colorful cast of characters.
The film didn’t start off as a favorite among many. The Big Labowski only made $17 million against its $15 million budget and got mostly mixed reviews from critics. But, over the course of a few years, the movie started to gain the following that it has now. In 2002, an annual festival began, know as Lebowski Fest. The event includes a night of unlimited bowling and contests such as costume, trivia and farthest-traveled. There is even a religion, Dudeism, which is devoted to spreading The Dude’s philosophy and lifestyle.
The home was featured prominently in the film, and is famous for more than just The Big Lebowski. Since buying the home Goldstein and the designer, John Lautner, have refined the property with several additions, including a private club that’s been used for swanky celebrity parties, including recent Grammy Award parties and a birthday celebration for singer Rihanna. The home has been featured in other movies, like Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and has been used as a set for many high profile fashion shoots. An entertainment complex is currently being added to the property.
For now The Big Lebowski home is still a residence, so the property can only be seen at special times, but at some point it will become a museum. And when that time comes, you can bet that fans of The Dude will come from all over to experience the magic first hand.
