The reopening of the Frick Collection marks a significant moment in the museum’s history, unveiling not only a grand renovation but the inaugural public access to the private quarters of its original residents. Designed by renowned architects Carrère and Hastings, this Indiana limestone mansion on Fifth Avenue has been meticulously updated by Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle. The museum now offers visitors refreshed spaces alongside historic rooms, creating a blend of past elegance and contemporary functionality.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Carrère and Hastings, Selldorf Architects
Location: Fifth Avenue, New York City
Conservator: Joseph Godla
Interior Designer: Elsie de Wolfe
Art Dealer: Joseph Duveen
The origins of this project can be traced back to the early 20th century when pioneering interior designer Elsie de Wolfe pitched her talents to Henry Clay Frick, one of America’s most affluent figures of the time. Her successful plea led to her involvement in designing exquisite spaces within Frick’s new mansion, particularly focusing on intimate, women-centric decor. This effort placed her in the esteemed circles of decorative arts connoisseurs seeking involvement in the Gilded Age’s elite surroundings.
Central to the renovation is the Boucher Room, historically Adelaide Frick’s boudoir, distinguished by its Rococo panels by François Boucher. Known for its serene ambiance, the room has witnessed a tumultuous history. Originally completed by de Wolfe, it was later modified under the influence of art dealer Joseph Duveen, who encouraged the incorporation of French decorative arts and boiserie from André Carlhian. Today, the room has been painstakingly restored to its former cream-toned splendor, revealing its 18th-century character.
The restoration process, led by Deputy Director Xavier F. Salomon, involved moving the Boucher Room back to its authentic location on the second floor—a decision considered both ambitious and costly. This endeavor involved rebuilding cabinetry, refitting woodwork, and reviving period draperies, guided by chief conservator Joseph Godla and other specialists in period restoration. The research uncovered historical color choices, adding layers of authenticity to the restored spaces.
Amid these restored quarters, artifacts from the Fricks’ private lives, such as a blue silk divan and antique sculptures, create tangible connections to the past. The family’s intimate living areas, now transformed into galleries, provide a unique insight into the lavish lifestyle during the heyday of the Gilded Age. These spaces, filled with light and historical resonance, present a personal narrative juxtaposed against Frick’s renowned art collections.
With its blend of architectural grandeur and personal history, the Frick mansion stands as a testament to Henry Clay Frick’s legacy. As the museum reopens, it offers visitors not just a journey through its art holdings, but a rare glimpse into the lived experiences of one of the period’s wealthiest families. The transformation captures both the artistic and human stories that define the mansion, cementing its place as a vital cultural landmark.
