The Frick Collection, a beloved New York City museum, is set to reopen on April 17 after a $220 million, four-year renovation. The project has breathed new life into the historic 1914 Beaux-Arts mansion, which once served as the residence of industrialist Henry Clay Frick. Visitors will now have the opportunity to explore the family’s private rooms on the second floor, an area that has been closed to the public for 90 years.
The Grand Staircase, adorned with a restored chandelier and decorative screen covering the pipe organ, leads to these newly accessible spaces. Ian Wardropper, the Frick Collection’s longtime director who recently retired, emphasized the importance of maintaining the high standards set by Mr. Frick. “Mr.
Frick’s rejuvenated masterpiece unveiled
Frick had the best materials and craftsmanship, so we had to come up to that level of quality,” Wardropper said. The renovation project involved a team of skilled artisans from around the world, including textile weavers, lighting restorers, tassel makers, woodworkers, glass artisans, and painters.
Their expertise has helped to restore the mansion’s interiors to their former glory. Annabelle Selldorf, principal of Selldorf Architects, which collaborated with Beyer Blinder Belle on the new addition, praised the craftsmanship at the Frick. “The sheer intelligence of craft at the Frick is inspiring,” Selldorf said.
“We were committed to using the same materials and details in a slightly different way, to express the character of our time.”
The reopening of the Frick Collection marks a significant moment for the museum and the city’s cultural landscape. The restored mansion serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Henry Clay Frick and the dedication of the artisans who have worked to preserve this iconic institution for future generations.
