Iconic Homebuilder John Wieland Presents a Unique Gift to Atlanta: A Contemporary Art Museum
Renowned homebuilder, John Wieland, best known for his legacy of creating neighborhoods through his company, John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, has unveiled a new gift to the city of Atlanta. This time, it’s a contemporary art museum that’s free and open to the public.
History of the Museum
The genesis of the museum began as a simple hobby for Wieland as he sought to fill his office walls with art. As his business expanded, however, so did his art collection and passion for art. Over the years, he enlisted the help of art experts such as David Heath, Fay Gold, and Annette Cole-Skelton to help him acquire pieces. The curation of the new museum, dubbed the Warehouse, is helmed by his son, Jack Wieland.
The Warehouse: A New Kind of Art Museum
Opened on April 13, the Warehouse is a spectacular gallery, home to Wieland’s private art collection. The museum, situated at 1643 Chattahoochee Avenue Northwest, hosts monthly open houses — free with an online reservation — on every second Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. As an interesting twist, all 400 pieces of art displayed in the museum relate to the theme of house and home.
Art that Reflects Home and Society
This unique thematic focus is due to Wieland’s lifelong passion and profession of building homes. The idea of home, as a sanctuary, a retreat, and a mirror of societal values, is the central motif of the impressive collection. The works displayed range from paintings, sculptures, videos, fiber art, and ceramics, depicting the cosiness of domestic life and addressing broader social concerns simultaneously.
Wieland’s belief that everyone should have a home is not only reflected in his art collection but also in his committed involvement with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps families build affordable homes.
House of Global Artwork
The Warehouse, a 39,000-square-foot facility, houses art pieces from around the globe, including works by celebrated artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Radcliffe Bailey, and Howard Finster. Rooms in the museum are organized by themes related to home, such as makeshift houses or subdivisions.
Alongside large-scale installations and 3-D exhibits, the museum features a series of New York Times-commissioned photos by renowned photographer Gregory Crewdson. These photographs feature famous actors including Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and William H. Macy in various dramatic scenes set in a humble ranch house.
The Future of the Warehouse
After purchasing the property in Atlanta’s Westside in 2010 and renovating it into a museum in 2023, the Warehouse is now set for its future operations. The facility will be directed by distinguished art veteran Philip Verre, former chief operating officer of the High Museum of Art, with Jack Wieland overseeing curation duties.
As for John Wieland, the unveiling of the Warehouse marks an exciting new venture within the arts in Atlanta. “My form of art is architecture,” he said. Adding, “But we aspire to be part of the Atlanta arts ecosystem with this museum.”
