This art hoard is a masterpiece of clutter, yet somehow, it all works

by Isabella Silva-Biotti

Imagine a world where every knick-knack, trinket, and treasure imaginable is gathered under one roof. This isn’t a fever dream, but the reality of R22 Gallery in downtown Minneapolis. Thrifting and antique hunting have become popular pastimes, but few collections can compare to the mind-boggling hoard amassed by Babs Lebewitz. This extraordinary accumulation of over 2 million objects is now on display at the gallery, a unique space that’s part museum, part treasure trove.

Babs was a woman of insatiable curiosity. Her home, once a sanctuary, transformed into a labyrinth of treasures—from antique ivory to peculiar curiosities. “My house started to close in from all the things,” her daughter, Rosie Rosenthal, recalls. The collection was so vast that it consumed their lives.

Enter Michael Andersen (aka Butch LaCroix), a visionary designer who saw potential in this chaotic collection. He transformed the former Rosenthal Interiors into R22 Gallery, a space where Babs’ eclectic assortment could be showcased and appreciated. “The collection you’re seeing here is what’s been left after 14 auctions,” says LaCroix.

The gallery  itself is the result of a lifetime of collecting, featuring dolls, statues, furniture, and everything in between, filling the 9,000 square foot space. It’s like a museum of the bizarre, a treasure trove for the eclectic, and a hoarder’s dream turned reality.

But don’t let the sheer volume of stuff fool you. There’s a method to the madness. LaCroix has curated the space with a keen eye, creating themed displays that offer a fresh perspective on the collection. From angels and demons to a focus on specific materials, each week brings a new discovery.

R22 Gallery is more than just a place to admire peculiar objects. LaCroix is committed to using the collection for good. Ivory items will be donated to the World Wildlife Federation, a Hawksbill sea turtle shell will support turtle rescue efforts, and a slave figurine will find a home at the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery.

While these items are off-limits to buyers, the rest of the gallery is a treasure hunter’s paradise. From vintage furniture to quirky trinkets, there’s something to spark everyone’s imagination. And with a huge summer sale underway, now is the perfect time to discover hidden gems.

Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, R22 Gallery is a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for the unusual. It’s a place where you can spend hours exploring, marveling at the sheer volume of objects, and uncovering fascinating stories.

But Babs Lebewitz was more than just a collector. She was also a savvy businesswoman. Rosenthal Furniture, the family business, produced some unforgettable ads featuring Babs and her beloved pets. From cows to a latex-clad Babs wielding a whip, these ads were anything but ordinary.

So, what are you waiting for? Step into a world of wonder at R22 Gallery. You might just find that perfect piece to add a touch of eccentricity to your home. And who knows, you might even discover a story as captivating as the collection itself.

R22 Gallery is open Thursday through Saturday from 1pm to 7pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Contact Butch LaCroix 646-584-8443 (text or call) for more information.

---