The Frick Collection Reopens After $220 Million Renovation, Revealing New Grandeur

After a four-year closure and a transformative $220 million renovation, The Frick Collection is set to reopen its doors, welcoming the public back to Henry Clay Frick's historic Fifth Avenue mansion. The extensive refurbishment, designed by Selldorf Architects in collaboration with Beyer Blinder Belle, aims to seamlessly blend the institution's cherished past with the needs of the 21st century, promising a revitalized experience for art lovers.

Key Takeaways

• The Frick Collection reopens on April 17, 2025, after a $220 million, four-year renovation.
• The project includes a new limestone-clad addition and a cantilevered marble staircase.
• For the first time in 90 years, visitors can ascend the Grand Staircase to the family's private rooms.
• The renovation involved a team of specialized artisans, including textile weavers, lighting restorers, and woodworkers.

A Sensitive Expansion

The museum, housed in Frick's 1914 Beaux-Arts mansion, has undergone an architectural metamorphosis. While some preservationists expressed concerns about altering the beloved landmark, the expansion is lauded for its sensitivity and deftness. The new limestone-clad addition, designed to complement the existing structure, steps back to preserve the garden views. A standout feature is the new, cantilevered stairway crafted from veined Breccia Aurora marble, described as approximating poetry.

Restoring and Revitalizing

The $220 million project aimed not only to expand the museum's capabilities but also to restore and enhance its existing splendor. The renovation meticulously addressed the aging mansion, bringing a "new luster and polish" to its interiors. For the first time in nine decades, visitors will be able to explore the family's private rooms on the second floor, ascending the Grand Staircase. This accessibility allows for a more intimate connection with the Frick's renowned collection, which includes masterpieces by Old Masters.

The Art of Craftsmanship

Beyond the architectural changes, the renovation highlighted the exceptional skills of a diverse team of craftspeople. Textile weavers, lighting restorers, tassel makers, cabinet makers, muralists, and glass artisans from various international locations contributed to the project. Their work ensured that the new additions and restored elements meet the high standards of quality and craftsmanship set by Mr. Frick himself. Annabelle Selldorf, the principal of Selldorf Architects, emphasized the commitment to using similar materials and details, reinterpreted for the contemporary era, to honor the building's character.

A New Era for the Frick

The reopening marks a significant moment for one of New York's most treasured cultural institutions. The expansion and refurbishment are expected to solve long-standing spatial and functional challenges, allowing the Frick to better serve its public. The museum will also introduce its first-ever cafe later in the spring, further enhancing the visitor experience.

Sources

• The Frick Glows With a Poetic, $220 Million Renovation, The New York Times.
• At the New Frick, Magicians Come Out of the Woodwork, The New York Times.