The Frick Collection in New York, led by Selldorf Architects after a five-year renovation, reopens with a graceful and long-lasting restoration balancing reverence with restraint.
The architects approached the restoration project delicately, preserving the 1914 Carrre and Hastings-designed mansion with precise interventions and a subtle palette of premium materials.
The renovation includes hidden structural changes like reconstructing the rear facade and raising the roofline, seamlessly integrating old and new elements while adding modern conservation studios and education facilities.
For the first time, the second floor of the mansion is open to the public, showcasing restored bedrooms with decorative ceilings and period woodwork, enhancing the intimate narrative of the architecture.
With a 27,000-square-foot expansion, The Frick Collection now offers new Ronald S. Lauder Exhibition Galleries and a 218-seat auditorium for concerts and lectures, all harmoniously integrated into the existing structure.
The renovation connects the Frick Art Research Library to the museum, creating a unified campus with new reading rooms, archives, and a dedicated education center, modernizing the institution.
Selldorf Architects' intervention focuses on restraint, respecting the heritage of the Frick Collection while subtly incorporating modern elements like a bronze-and-glass bridge and custom Murano glass lanterns for ambiance.
The renovation deepens the unique qualities of The Frick Collection by emphasizing lived-in history, attention to detail, and architectural subtlety, providing a space for quiet contemplation and expanded exploration for visitors.
As the museum reopens on April 17th, 2025, with whispered architectural stewardship, visitors will experience a renewed sense of elegance and history at The Frick Collection in New York.