In using the phrase "something for display" (lines 12-13), the author most probably means art that

Christopher on May 12, 2018

You need to take the following sentence about architecture into account as you're answering. The author is saying that hiring a famous architect to build your house may prove that you have excellent taste despite the house being unlivable. The same goes for art. You may not like the piece, but if it came from a famous artist, it will "display" (the key word here) that you have excellent taste. In other words, it's not for your enjoyment but rather to make you look good.