A New Era for the Henry Clay Frick Mansion
Welcome to the latest edition of “This Old House,” featuring the magnificent Henry Clay Frick mansion. This opulent Beaux-Arts residence, originally built in 1914, is set to welcome the public once again on April 17, following an extensive $220 million renovation that spanned four years. As part of the reopening celebrations, a series of special member events are scheduled for this week, adding to the anticipation.
For the first time in nearly 90 years, guests will have the unique opportunity to ascend the Grand Staircase and explore the family’s private quarters located on the second floor, as the velvet ropes that once restricted access have been removed. This renovation not only reintroduces the grandeur of the mansion but also allows museum-goers to reconnect with its impressive collection of artworks, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Vermeer, and Turner, alongside exquisite furnishings from the 16th to 18th centuries. Additionally, visitors can look forward to dining at the Frick’s first-ever café, set to open later this spring, enhancing their overall experience.
While the visual splendor of the Frick is evident, less apparent is the dedicated team of artisans and craftspeople who have been instrumental in breathing new life into this historic mansion. From textile weavers and lighting restorers to tassel makers, woodworkers, glass artisans, and painters hailing from as far as Lyon, France, to Gowanus, Brooklyn, their exceptional skills have revitalized the interiors of the Frick, infusing them with fresh energy and brilliance.
The Frick’s interiors, including the enchanting Garden Court and the elegantly designed Oval Room, were primarily conceived by architect John Russell Pope during the transformation of the house into a museum in the 1930s. The current reimagining of the space has presented a similarly formidable challenge. Ian Wardropper, the longtime director of the Frick Collection who has recently retired, reflected on this task, stating, “Mr. Frick had the finest materials and craftsmanship, so we had to rise to that level of quality.” He emphasized that it was impossible to restore just one gallery in isolation. “It’s like if you redo the living room and suddenly your bedroom looks shabby,” he noted. “My job is to preserve what everyone loved about the Frick, but with new luster and polish.”
The essence of fine craftsmanship is also evident in the expansive new addition designed by Annabelle Selldorf Architects in collaboration with Beyer Blinder Belle. Drawing inspiration from the historic house, they have maintained a commitment to using the same high-quality materials and intricate details, albeit in a contemporary context. Selldorf remarked, “The sheer intelligence of craft at the Frick is inspiring. We were dedicated to expressing the character of our time while respecting the legacy of this remarkable space.”
