“I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream.” Van Gogh
Visiting the newly reopened The Frick Collection is like stepping into an artist’s dream. After an experience that is wonderous and splendid, one wakes upon leaving, startled by unfiltered daylight and the sounds of the city street. Putting iPhones away upon entering the museum, a polite requirement for viewing the collection, visitors immerse themselves in the art. The uninterrupted viewing of the artwork, combined with its location in a former home, creates a feeling of intimacy. Underscoring this intimacy is the exhibition, “Vermeer’s Love Letters” on view only until August 31st. Comprised of “Woman Writing a Letter, with her Maid,” c.1670, on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, “Mistress and Maid,” ca. 1664-67, The Frick Collection, and “The Love Letter,” c. 1669-1670, on loan from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the exhibition showcases another art not lost at The Frick. Vermeer fans will also enjoy “Officer and Laughing Girl,” ca. 1657, and “Girl Interrupted at Her Music,” ca. 1658, in the permanent collection.
Garden Court designed by John Russell Pope (Visitors may take photos here.)
“Angel” by Jean (Jehan) Barbet (France, 16th century)
To truly appreciate such an incredible collection, visitors must return and make it a cornerstone of every visit to New York City. (What visitors saw before the recent renovation was 25% of the collection; now they can see 47%, a boon for art lovers.) New visitors will be dazzled by the sumptuous décor by English interior designer Charles Allon of White, Allom & Co., primarily on the ground floor, and by Elsie de Wolfe, one of the first American interior designers, mostly on the second floor, which includes ceiling art in the hallway that connects the galleries. Returning visitors will enjoy the improved lighting and relish ascending the formerly roped staircase to the second floor. Though the works of Van Gogh have only graced the museum via exhibitions, the quote was irresistible. Still, the artists’ works on view are beyond imagination (noted in order via “Featured Artists” from The Frick): Bellini, Carreira, van Dyck, Fragonard, Goya, El Greco, Ingres, Monet, Rembrandt, Titian, Turner, and Vermeer. (If visitors are able to turn their gaze away from the paintings, the beautiful Sevres porcelain, antique clocks, and Chinese vases are a few of the other exquisite treasures.) As a complement to the Old Master works, highlights of drawings from the collection are on view through August 11th, and Vladimir Kanevsky’s porcelain floral art, commissioned by the museum, is on view until Nov. 17th.
View along Fifth Avenue with a hint of the elevated garden
Partial views of the Russell Page Garden along East 70th Street
The building that houses the collection is magnificent. The three-story Gilded Age Beaux Arts mansion with its limestone facades was originally the home of collector Henry Clay Frick and, strikingly, fills a city block. At various times, premier architects have created, expanded, and renovated the building which include the original architect Thomas Hastings of Carrere and Hastings, 1912-1914, and John Russell Pope, who converted the home to a museum with the addition of the entrance, the Garden Court (formerly the carriage pavilion and where visitors may take photos), and The Frick Research Library, all in 1935, when Frederick Olmsted, Jr. updated the elevated the garden that elegantly sets the building back from the street and complements the serenity of his father and Calvert Vaux’s Central Park across Fifth Avenue. In 1977, the museum added a pavilion and another garden with a rectangular pool along East 70th Street, designed by Russell Page OBE. Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects designed the most recent renovations, which included enhancing the galleries, creating an auditorium, and adding a cafe and gift shop. Beyer Blinder Belle assisted with the historic preservation. Both the mansion and Frick Research Library are New York City and National Historic Landmarks.
Blooming hydrangeas on the Upper East Side near The Frick
The friendly and professional staff members, who are proud to share such a treasure, warmly welcome visitors, which was a lovely part of the visit. A courteous guard explained to a surprised visitor that people sometimes try to touch the art, especially Mr. Kanevsky’s lifelike flowers. Though most of the visitors seemed awed, delighted, and considerate, kudos to the staff for their patience as this surely happens.
“Lemon Tree” by Vladimir Kanevsky in the Garden Court
Some logistics: Visitors must reserve timed tickets to view the galleries which have accessibility for most types of wheelchairs. (Discounted tickets are available for visitors 10-18, those with disabilities, seniors, and students with valid IDs. Admission is free for care partners and active military with valid IDs. Note: Visitors must be over 10.) Memberships may interest repeat visitors, and donations are always welcome. The art does not have labels, but the museum offers a $5 guide (which has a new book smell) that may be purchased along with tickets, or visitors may enjoy an audio tour via Bloomberg Connects. (My first tour was with a wonderful teacher and friend who suggested a visit; the website offers audio for some artwork, helpful for teaching and study, and tours are available for class trips.) Some discounts are available, particularly on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:30, when admission is “pay-as-you-wish” with programs that are open to the public. A charming new café, “Westmoreland,” named after Henry Clay Frick’s Pullman car, and a shop complement the experience. Students and faculty with valid IDs from the City University of New York, the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York University, and Pratt Institute may receive two complimentary tickets. To visit the Frick Art Research Library, first-time visitors must register.
Much beloved, the Frick Collection initially sparked debate over its renovation, but with different perspectives coalescing, the result is a harmonious and inviting city oasis.
(Sources: frick.org, nypost.com, newsart.net.com, artnews.com, www.tclf.org, nps.gov)
“The Frick Collection: A Splendid Dream” All Rights Reserved ©2025 Kathleen Helen Levey
