Stepping into Lauren Bacall’s Dakota World

When visitors arrived at Lauren Bacall’s iconic Dakota apartment in New York, they were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Dakota, a legendary building in Manhattan, was where Lauren made her home for decades. The housekeeper would guide guests into the library, where Sophie, Lauren's beloved papillon, would often eagerly precede the Golden Age star, setting the tone for the visit. It was in her favorite chair, nestled in front of the fireplace, that Lauren would chat with her guests. “I always called her ‘Grandmama,’” recalls her grandson, Jamie Bogart, in an exclusive interview with Closer.

Hollywood Glamour Meets New York Roots

Lauren Bacall may have made her name in Hollywood with classic films like To Have and Have Not, Key Largo, and The Big Sleep, but New York, the city where she was born Betty Joan Perske in 1924, remained her true home. In 1961, she and her second husband, actor Jason Robards, moved into a fourth-floor apartment at the Dakota, with breathtaking views of Central Park. This was not just a home; it was a sanctuary where she raised her children—Stephen Bogart, Sam Robards, and Leslie Bogart—and later retreated to with Sophie after stepping away from the performing world.

A Life of Comfort and Connection

Lauren found immense joy in solitude, often spending her days reading in the comfort of her apartment. Yet, her life was far from isolated. The phone was always ringing, connecting her with a vibrant network of friends and acquaintances. Jon King, who became friends with Lauren through his work at Bonhams auction house, shares, “She traveled in literary and theatrical circles, and she knew a lot of antique dealers.” Her three-bedroom apartment, with its generously sized public rooms, was the perfect setting for entertaining. Over the years, her guest list included luminaries such as Anjelica Huston, Barbra Streisand, and Ted Kennedy.

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Treasures and Tales: Lauren’s Dakota Collection

For those fortunate enough to visit, Lauren's apartment was a treasure trove of antiques, artwork, and collections that spoke volumes about her life and passions. Among these treasures was a bronze bust of her first husband, Humphrey Bogart, immortalized as his famous character, Sam Spade. Jon King fondly remembers sitting with Lauren among her cherished items. “She was very easy to talk to, had a great sense of humor, and a laugh that could light up a room,” he recalls. Lauren was also keenly interested in current events, always ensuring her visits ended by 5:30 p.m. so she could catch the 6 o'clock news.

A Dakota Refuge and Family Legacy

For Lauren, the Dakota was more than just a residence; it was her refuge. Her grandson, Jamie Bogart, reflects fondly on the one-on-one visits with his grandmother. “The Dakota was her refuge. Visiting her there was always great,” he says. Lauren Bacall's Dakota apartment wasn’t just a place to live; it was a testament to her life, her loves, and her legacy.