The Frick Collection: A Fabulous Private Museum in New York
The Frick Collection is a unique museum in New York. It occupies a mansion and houses a highly personal art collection.
What to Know About The Frick Collection
- The Frick Collection is a museum located on the prestigious Fifth Avenue in New York, in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. The museum sits directly across from Central Park, between 70th and 71st streets.
- The Frick Collection was founded in 1935 in the former mansion of Henry Clay Frick, a wealthy industrialist who made his fortune in steel. Born in 1849, this shrewd businessman and philanthropist balanced a successful career with a passionate pursuit of art. He was particularly drawn to European painting from the Renaissance through the 19th century. When he died in 1919, he left his collection to New York City.
- Since 1920, the Frick Collection has also maintained a specialized library focused on art history. The collection covers primarily European art from the 4th through 20th centuries.
- Major renovation and expansion work was completed between 2021 and 2025 by Selldorf Architects. The Frick Collection reopened to the public in April 2025! Visitors now have access to the second floor of the residence. A café and auditorium have also been added.
What to See at the Frick Collection
- Henry Clay Frick’s mansion is worth a visit on its own. This magnificent neoclassical building, constructed in 1914, stands out in Manhattan! It provides a fitting setting for an equally impressive collection of artworks. You’ll discover the stunning interior courtyard, inspired by a Roman atrium.
- The collection is displayed across 16 beautifully curated galleries. You’ll feel more like you’re touring a private residence than visiting a traditional museum! You’ll especially appreciate the collection’s eclectic style, which moves seamlessly from Fragonard to Goya, from Rembrandt to Velázquez, from Titian to Vermeer, from Gainsborough to Ingres. Don’t miss the rare Impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, and Manet.
- The collection also features magnificent sculptures, including a work by Bernini, who created the columns at St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Also worth seeing are the superb decorative arts pieces, including about fifty Limoges enamels. Henry Clay Frick was a discerning art collector.
- The Frick Collection continues to grow through new acquisitions. The collection has actually doubled in size since 1935!
- The museum also organizes thematic temporary exhibitions, showcasing pieces from the collection that are not normally on display.
Practical Information
- Address: 1 East 70th Street, New York. The library entrance is located at 10 East 71st Street.
- Subway: 68 St station (Line 6) or 72 St station (Line Q).
- Hours: Open daily except Tuesdays, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Until 8:30 pm on Fridays.
- Admission: $30 for adults, $22 for seniors (65+), and $17 for students. Free for children ages 10–18. Note that admission is pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why visit the Frick Collection in New York?
The Frick Collection may not be the most famous museum in New York, but it absolutely deserves a visit. The setting itself is remarkable. The museum occupies the former mansion of Henry Clay Frick, a wealthy industrialist born in Pennsylvania in 1849 and died in New York in 1919. The collection is also deeply personal, reflecting Frick’s own tastes and his passion for European painting. It’s a unique museum, one of a kind in the world.
Do I need to book in advance to visit the Frick Collection?
Yes, advance reservations are required to visit the Frick Collection. Since its reopening on April 17, 2025, the museum requires visitors to present a timed ticket for entry.
Photos of the Frick Collection in New York
