Ai Weiwei’s Chelsea apartment is on the market for $2 million.
Photo: H5 Property

Artist Ai Weiwei Lists Minimalist New York City Apartment for $2 Million

The 1,400-square-foot Chelsea condo is currently staged with several works by the renowned Chinese artist, who is now based in Portugal

Contemporary artist and activist Ai Weiwei has put his New York City apartment on the market for a cool $2 million. Currently based in Portugal, the Chinese-born talent, who recently made news for recreating Claude Monet’s Water Lilies using 650,000 LEGO bricks, originally acquired the West Chelsea pied-à-terre in 2008 for a reported $1.7 million. The sale comes as Weiwei is gearing up for his first design-focused exhibition, “Ai Weiwei: Making Sense,” which will open at the Design Museum in London on April 7.

The artist’s 1,400-square-foot Manhattan residence is located on the eighth floor of a prewar building known as Loft 25 and is equipped with one bedroom and two full baths—a rarity for an apartment of its size—plus a walk-in closet. The minimalist unit features hardwood floors, 12-foot ceilings, and is drenched in sunlight thanks to its south-facing orientation (which means it overlooks the historic London Terrace complex across the street). There’s also a revamped kitchen with glossy blue cabinetry and appliances from Liebherr and Bosch.

Ai Weiwei’s Chelsea apartment is on the market for $2 million. Photo: H5 Property

While they aren’t included in the listing, several of Weiwei’s works are currently view within the apartment, among them Dancers, a black-and-white work that recalls Matisse, as well as a trio of his Marble Chair sculptures. The building itself boasts added amenities such as a garden with reflecting pool, cinema, roof deck with river views, fitness center, and a 24-hour doorman.

The unit is listed with Kyle Blackmon of Compass. See more photos below. 

Ai Weiwei’s Chelsea apartment is on the market for $2 million. Photo: H5 Property

Ai Weiwei’s Chelsea apartment is on the market for $2 million. Photo: H5 Property

Ai Weiwei’s Chelsea apartment is on the market for $2 million. Photo: H5 Property

Ai Weiwei’s Chelsea apartment is on the market for $2 million. Photo: H5 Property

Cover: Ai Weiwei’s Chelsea apartment is on the market for $2 million.
Photo: H5 Property

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