Frick Collection

1/22/2011

Despite the fact that Mr. Henry Clay Frick is considered one of the better known examples of late 19th and early 20th century robber baron, amoral villain and ruthless American industrialist, we do subsequently owe him a debt of gratitude for leaving us his most amazing home and art collection.  Even a not so great guy can, I guess, occasionally do some good.

The Frick Collection has been open to the public since 1935.
I've been coming to this museum regularly since I was a very little girl living in NYC.  I remember the wide-eyed awe with which I used to wander the palatial halls and rooms with my mother who was a particular fan of the Renoirs.

The Frick is a nicely sized smaller museum so that little Alexandra S. and now the grown-up, but not endlessly patient Alexandra S.,could have an experience that never reaches the point of bringing on the dreaded "crankies".

The Frick has one of the most varied and interesting collections of European art ever amassed, most of it by the family but some subsequently purchased by the museum. There is something for everyone here.

The Vermeers have always been a treat with the masterful way the light and shadows were so realistically detailed.  Then there is Jean-Honore Fragonard's The Progress of Love which is one of a series of 4 paintings commissioned by the last mistress of Louis the 15th with the suitor in those paintings looking suspiciously like old Louis himself..Scandal!

There are beautiful examples of devotional art of the early Italian Renaissance by Cimabue which I adore.

And the list goes one with the likes of Corot, Gainsborough, Bellini, El Greco...It's a veritable Art History course.

Let's not forget the mansion itself which covers an entire city block. A typical NYC apartment this was not for the Frick family.  When you think about its original purpose as a home it's jaw-dropping in its opulence.  

Built in the Neo-Classical style, this will inspire anyone interested in architecture or interior design. The period furniture, the Frick's amazing carpets, the sculptures, will all give pause.

Particularly on a gray winter day scant with any outside color, the Courtyard is a wonderful place to sit on a bench, listen to the gurgle of the water fountain and luxuriate in the peace and beauty that is part of this experience.

I lucked out some years ago when a friend of mine landed a plum job at the Frick because since then I've been privy to access into spaces otherwise off-limits to the general public.  One of the most fun aspects of this special tour is the two lane pine and maple bowling alley Mr. Frick had built in the basement.  It's in a room with billiard tables so I guess even dour looking Mr. Frick could occasionally allow himself a frivolous moment or two.

Coming here I readily fall unyielding vicitm to that lovely sense of going back in time that I've written about before.  The cares and the chaos of the outside world drift away while you're in the Frick.  Going there is a relaxing, meditative, awe-inspiring experience. I highly recommend a visit.

2/13/2011

If you love MET but got frustrated there by losing yourself in directions, you should come to Frick Collection. It's such a small but graceful museum.  There are several impressive pieces from J.Constable, E Degas, J.A.D Ingres, J.M.W. Turner, and many others... Don't just focus on the paintings but ignore the small sculptures. There are some of the best bronzes in town!

If you think $18 admission for such a small museum is kind of expensive, go there between 11 to 1 on Sunday and pay what you wish.  This museum and the building has been opened to the public more than 75 years. It's classic!

6/19/2011

I really enjoyed this museum.  Smaller, more intimate, less crowded, less expensive.  I do have 3 negatives....no pictures allowed.  I love taking pictures of anything I see/enjoy, so I wanted photographs.  No can do here.  Secondly, I lost an earring here (not their fault obviously, but I will always associate this place with that....it was one of my favorite earrings), and third, while they warn each guest.......if you walk in with an overcoat, that overcoat stays ON.  If you attempt to take it off (like I did), then you must return to the coat check and check it in.  I wasn't happy.  I got hot, so I took it off.  Anyway, I was a little miffed at the inconveniences.  That aside, it has a lovely art collection, and it is well worth seeing.  The garden is gorgeous.

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• See all photos from Claudia B. for Frick Collection

1/18/2014

i love the frick, and most recently had the pleasure of viewing the vermeer and dutch artist collection. lovely as usual. i love the history and charm of mr. frick's home; always warm and welcoming and impressive works. will always return.

1/14/2014

The dutch masters exhibit was amazing and worth the crowds.  If you are a student the $25 membership is worth the purchase b/c regular admission is already $20 and you get to skip all the lines.  Sunday is pay as you wish.  Food places are along 73 through 75 streets between 5th and madison.

6/11/2012

The Frick is an amazing small collection in a luxurious private-home setting.  It pulls its weight in getting world-renowned artist' paintings (borrowed from as close as from The Met, or from as far as Paris or Berlin) in for temporary exhibits, along with being the permanent home to many classics.  

Their Education department is full of extremely erudite, approachable experts who offer (often free) talks/events - an opportunity one would be crazy not to take, this is why New York is great, after all.

9/22/2012

I dragged my brother here during their 11am-1pm free hours on Sunday, and it was very worth it. I've always thought that the setting of an art museum matters about as much as the art itself, and this museum does not disappoint. It was amazing to wander and imagine the old steel tycoon puttering about with his priceless works of art. At least I think he was a steel tycoon... Anyway, the line looked scary when we showed up, but moved in quickly. They had a coat check, which is nice.

I enjoyed the small and personal feel to the museum. It isn't as overwhelming as Moma or the Met, and we cruised through in a couple hours. Conveniently located for a post museum shake shack run, FYI. Definitely pick up the free audio guide- it really adds to the experience.

7/25/2011

At the risk of sounding overly exuberant, I would honestly move in here if I could. Although the collection seen remains fairly static, each time I'm in the city I go to the Frick and find that the works never fail to lose their power. Signorino Frick had exquisite taste in les peintures, and it's such a treat to be able to see his collection in this intimate atmosphere.

Okay, so your need for Manzoni and Koons may go unfulfilled, but if it's Fragonard, Velazquez, Turner, Rembrandt and the like that you're after, do yourself a favor and spend some time relaxing in the Frick -- oh, and watch the clip about his life. I think I want a new grandfather.

1/23/2012

If you are interested in art and architecture, the Frick Collection should be your number one place to visit in New York City. The Frick Collection is an early 1900's mansion, originally owned by industrial magnate Henry Clay Frick, that houses a small but impressive collection of fine art.

The Frick Collection is more like a private home with awesome art than a museum, which is why it's my favorite art museum. It's not overwhelming large like the Metropolitan. You can complete a tour of the museum within 2 hours.

The museum offers a free audio guide, which I recommend--although some of the art descriptions are lengthy.

Admission to the Frick Collection is $18/adults and $10/students. Children under 10 are not allowed in the museum. On Sundays, you may pay what you wish from 11 am to 1 pm. It's common for people to give $1. The line for Pay-What-You-Wish Sundays begins on the west side of the entrance steps, alongside the gate. If you want to beat the crowd, be in line by 10 am.

Photography is not allowed at the museum.

6/22/2012

Sunday is the place to be at the Frick. In the early afternoon, they have 'Sunday Sketch,' where friendly art volunteers will have you sign out pencils, paper, and boards so you can sketch in the beautiful Garden Gallery. Even though I was hungry for lunch (I hadn't eaten yet!) I stayed to sketch for three hours. Three hours! It takes a lot of beauty and art to make me forget my stomach for three hours.

I loved the collection and how there is a mixture of different styles and time periods in one room. I fell in love with the Whistlers that were on display. I knew it was time to leave when I started dreaming about what it would be like to have as much money as Henry Frick and start my own art collection.

Make sure to get an audioguide in the entrance lobby! It is included in admission and definitely enriches the experience.

4/24/2012

One of my favorite museums in the city because it's intimate, full of great art, & unique.  As an old mansion owned by the Frick's (one of those historic Robber Baron rich families), you not only get to enjoy the great art but you also feel as if you've been transported into the early 1900s.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Met & the Guggenheim but the Frick Collection's more modest abode is just as good, if not better.

9/4/2012

A 'must see' museum when visiting NYC.  The home and art remain almost as Mr. Frick left them when he died in in the early 1900s.  Remarkable collection and one can spend an hour or several, taking in the variety of art and elegance this museum provides.  

Audio tour included with the price of admission.

A few pointers to maximize your visit before touring:

*Skim through the museum brochure including the layout
* Learn the functionality of the audio tool (each room has a number describing the room and then individual numbers for almost every piece of art
* Spend time sitting in the West Gallery
* Stay for the historical film
* Visit the later built indoor garden and museum store.

5/3/2011

My mom and brother both told me, separately, that this is their favorite museum.  In deciding what to do for my birthday weekend (yes, it is a weekend folks), I suggested the Frick Museum for Saturday afternoon.  It was pouring rain when we went and I think going to a museum on a gloomy day is a great choice.  I didn't know much about this museum and I am glad we sat through the movie that explains it all.  

The reason I am not giving this 5 stars is really just because it isn't my kind of art.  I don't like looking at portraits of people.  Perhaps that is just me and perhaps I should appreciate it for the awesomeness of the craft but I got bored after a while.  I loved the set up of everything of course (although I wish it went upstairs too!) but that was really the only part I truly loved about it.  

The collection displayed in the basement of Rembrandts wasn't worth it.  We shouldn't have started our journey through the museum with that collection and we wasted a lot of time going through downstairs.

People should get the sound system that explains everything to you or you will be quite lost.  The paintings don't have any sort of written explanations near them.  Admission for a student is $5 but for a regular adult ticket I think is $20.  As is typical, being a student really helps when it comes to museum admissions in NYC.

10/17/2010

This bad ass turn of the century mansion is enough reason to visit.   I'm not a fan of classical realist painting, and on first walk through I quickly walked by.  Enthralled by the house, I did a second stroll and noticed the famous names in art history, Hans Holbein, Turner, Rembrandt, Poussin, Degas, El Greco, De La Tour, Goya, Monet.  The list went on and on.  I then discovered the early Renaissance section which contains on of my favorites - a Duccio panel.  There is also a famous and beautiful Ingres. I ended up scouting through the house about five time.
A very good survey of painting from 15th century to 19th century complements this incredible house.  Pay what you wish on Sundays.

4/17/2013

The Frick is a beautiful space with some interesting pieces. The audio guide is pretty great and free. Security all over the place and you're not allowed to do anything--whatever. Pay what you wish every Sunday from 11-1 (to enter, stay as long as you like).

12/19/2011

If you want to take a peek of how rich people live in early 20th century in NYC, come to this mansion. This neoclassical house from Mr. Frick's home will leave you in awe and envy. We came in just in time for the Sunday noon 'pay as you wish' time (usual admission is $18). The museum was crowded but we thought is because they were displaying early drawing from Picasso. Yummy!
The museum was not large, but rich in detail,  mostly displaying european paintings from pre renaissance to post impressionist, some from old master like Goya, Rembrandt, some bronze sculptures, Asian pots, chairs, and tables.
The Picasso exhibition take place in the smaller room and the rooms in the basement, in a more modern setting.
It's unfortunate they only allowed viewing in first floor, we were curious how their 2nd and 3rd floor look like, how their private rooms were, is it as glamorous as the first floor?...

All in all, a must see museum in NYC!

11/5/2011

To think this once a private residence, oh my! Can you imagine this place being your home? Well I could imagine it, it's a lovely fantasy. A mansion just across the street from Central Park, it would be heavenly.

The Frick's collection isn't huge, however very impressive and strategically laid out. The other thing about it is that it can be viewed within a couple of hours, it's a manageable size. Another perk is that they usually have a special exhibit, currently it's Picasso.
Best to come here on a weekday in order to avoid crowds and be able to appreciate the artwork close up. However, for some of us that love historical buildings, it's hard to say which is more incredible the mansion or it's contents.

I don't know if it's enforced, but they do have a sign outside stating, "Children under 10 not admitted."

4/21/2012

I feel weird reviewing the frick, because everyone has been here and those who like it (including me) love it and others find it too small for repeat visits.

I am just a fan of the building (it is small and intimate) almost more so than the collection.  It is a nice place to wander on a cloudy day and I like to sit in the main areas and get lost in the art/architecture.  In addition, they have some nice exhibits and a good permanent collection.  

If you like smaller museums (or the idea of the crowds at the met, makes you sick), then this is the place for you.

5/16/2012

the property is amazing, and the concept loses me.

i love small intimate museums, but it was underwhelming, particularly the small renoir exhibit. really, fewer than 10 paintings? not worth it since i've seen better. i was hoping for a feel closer to the uffizi in florence. just a little more extensive or specialized that it really is. disappointed all around.

2/10/2013

Such an amazing museum!  Many of the items on display were from Henry Frick's personal collection before he died.  It is wonderful that he wanted to give back to everyone and made such fantastic pieces of art available for anyone to see.  And the museum itself (which used to be Henry Frick's own home) is so beautiful and tranquil.  It is definitely worth a visit!

5/1/2012

This is a lovely museum. The building/decor/furniture is beautiful, the collection of art is superb and feels very personal and special. I especially loved the Renoir exhibit. Go see it before it closes. Also...unlike the met, this was quiet and not crowded. This museum feels quite intimate compared to others. Definitely my favorite.

1/21/2011

Love this old house-turned-art museum.  It's not too large, but extensive enough so you can spend an hour or two enjoying the beauty of not only paintings displayed, but the building itself.  

The large bright courtyard is one of my favorite parts, with the relaxing sound of water from the fountain and the benches to sit down and talk with a friend.  

As you enter the galeries, some of which overlook the courtyard, you can admire the works of famous artists such as Renoir, Goya, Gainsborough, and Boucher, among many others.  I love how each room is lit differently to highlight the particular works it holds, whether it's a tall portrait of a beautiful woman, stretching from floor to ceiling, or a room whose walls, ornately painted with cherubim, are the works of art themselves.

Another one of my favorite parts is the staircase, with the ornate railings.  The staircase is blocked off but right at the foot, there's a little alcove where they've hung a painting - kind of a like a little secret that you can only see from certain angles.  I also like how, when you turn the corner, there's a little arched cut-out in the wall that leads to the staircase, so you can see how it zig-zags up to the second floor in an artful manner.

Absolutely worth a visit - my friends from out of town all tell me this is their favorite museum in New York, and I can definitely see why.

1/4/2013

Perfectly located, this gem of a gallery is an exemplary destination for those seeking the company of a manageable, yet wonderfully curated, collection in a gorgeous home. With access to free audio headsets, which provide thoroughly instructive tours of The Frick Collection, it is all too easy to get lost in the rich history and formal analysis of each piece and there are few more hospitable places in which to do so.

From the courtyard (an addition to the building after its completion in ~ 1914) with its fountain and limestone columns, one meanders from room to room of the Frick residence in which one is confronted by works by Vermeer (there are three pieces in the collection!), Renoir, El Greco, Rembrandt, Turner, Whistler, Degas, Titian, Constable, Gainsborough etc. (you see where this is going). Though there is no rhyme or reason to the arrangement of the pieces, each room possesses immense charm, combining the lovely architecture of the building itself, eighteenth-century furniture, sculptures and - of course - the masterpieces on the walls. One cannot help but fall in love with the place.

On the topic of love, is there a better way to impress a date than an excursion through The Fragonard Room, which houses The Progress of Love sequence of paintings on the wall? I thought not.

Conclusion: As the a docent at The Frick eloquently explained, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a library - an overwhelming collection of art that represents a multitude of cultures from time immemorial to the present. Having lived in New York for several years now, The Met is very much a work in progress for me and I have yet to scratch the surface after numerous visits. However, there are few galleries that are able to become familiar friends - welcoming environments that never cease to impress after countless visits. The charm of The Frick Collection never grows tired and that is why I continue to return - seeking solace in the relatively small but sublime.

7/12/2012

I really enjoyed the Frick Collection.  It's definitely smaller and more manageable compared to some of the gargantuan museums in NYC, but the quality of the art is still there.  The building could be a tourist attraction by itself, as it's the beautiful former home of a steel baron that still has the original furnishings, and so gives you a glimpse into the life of New York's super-rich a century ago.

One warning is that no one under 10 is allowed in, so this is not a family-friendly place.  This does, though, make it a great respite for adults who need a break from the constant hubbub of the more family-oriented museums around, and also makes it less crowded.

3/24/2011

The Frick is a museum I had passed on my previous trips to New York. And now I finally got the opportunity. While some of me may have gone to check it off my to-do list of museums in New York, some part of me wanted to see what this "boring old person" museum was about - so it had been described to me.

It's similar to what we call in Miami the Viscaya mansion. Frick's huge mansion, whom I was told used to be an oil entrepreneur, passed his fanciful home on to benefit the arts and cultural movement. Most of the art is renaissance and older stuff you can see just about anywhere else.

But not this time. If you are reading this review in March - you should run to the Frick now, if you haven't, before it's too late.

Their temporary REMBRANDT exhibit is PHENOMENAL. Don't even bother checking out the other stuff. Go to his sketches, drawings, oh my. They were gorgeous, magical, amazing. How does he do that? Such tiny precise movements of the pen - and back then they probably used feathers and ink. Wow. It truly makes you appreciate art, I promise. I loved hearing the comments and amazement of others (it wasn't just me, I swear!). His painting are okay too, but its the sketches you need to see. Even his students couldn't quite grasp his talent and while they tried, you can clearly see what makes him so special. So glad I went here. You will be too!

6/23/2010

Having heard of this house of art and history for some time now, we were finally able to check it out the past weekend. Worth every minute. The way to go is to pick up the free self-guided voice recording tour and move through the rooms, clocking in the numbers to hear a 1-2 minute spiel of everything ranging from the romantic walls lined by Boucher, to the delicate hues of Gainsborough or the bronze sculpted by di Giovanni. Hearing it all takes up only one hour. The stories behind them, including the original furniture, upholstery and leather-bound books really make you think of what an amazing man Mr. Frick must've been back in the day, picking and choosing a beautiful mix of European and American art to house in the middle of Manhattan.

There's also a sweet tranquil, Greek-like garden in the middle of it all, as well as a large theater room for documentaries of the collection. I also believe they host concerts and various other events throughout the year.

Admission is $18 for adults, and a dramatic cut to $5 for students.

3/13/2011

Wow, what a balla mansion.  Mmhmmmm.

This place is HUGE, but they only open up two floors.  No worries-it's still spacious with its lavish rooms (notice the details on the ceilings, carpeting, tiled floors even...and yes, the famous paintings, relics, and furniture).  Wow, it'd be fun to throw a huge party here.

You can see all his handiwork and furniture up close, but you can't touch.  There's tons of security watching you-you can't even take off your coat (you must coat check or wear it) and you can't cross certain lines-ie close to the windows or the alarms will go off.  I guess to create a more home-y atmosphere, they increase security and won't even let kids come into this place.  Talk about exclusive.

It's ornate, grand, and the indoor courtyard is pretty.  Come here on a Sunday from 11am-1pm to get in for free, and not pay $18.  They also had a sketching time for a few hours, which is nice for the artists out there.

2/2/2012

Glad I got to go here finally.  I loved that they screened a movie about Frick to give everyone a little background.  Because obviously I didn't have time to research the man before having made the trip to his former home.  And what a home it was.  I can't even imagine what kind of money it takes to own that prime piece of real estate.

Loved the art work because I don't normally get to see that kind of style, also loved the Picasso exhibit.  I was able to see a lot of his sketches which I hadn't really scene before.  It was also interesting having just been to a Picasso symposium, followed by a viewing of a Picasso exhibit at the De Young in San Francisco.  I was definitely getting my fill of all things Picasso.

9/28/2013

It has an impressive collection and the mansion itself is extremely beautiful! Its not too crowded which allows you to really take your time to appreciate and study each piece. One of the must-see museums when in Manhattan.

11/7/2011

The Frick Collection is definitely worth visiting. I don't recall what I said first, "..Wow" or "Can this be my house?" Either way, this museum is absolutely gorgeous. No photography? How can I resist with all this Victorian furniture around me!? The attendants were everywhere, I couldn't even sneak one in.

The admission for adults is $18 and I would highly suggest taking the portable voice guide as it describes all the paintings which are number coordinated. Mr. Frick was definitely a baller. Titian? Van Dyck? Rembrandt? I was blown away by his collection and these masterpieces. Also beautiful were all the 16th century furniture pieces and overall décor. So European and fabulous. The music room and the 'garden' in the middle were both highlights.

note: if you have to use the bathroom, please go ahead. They have beautiful individual vanities if you need to touch up.

10/5/2013

Great collection.  3rd or 4th finest collection in the city.  BEST collection of Rembrandt in the city, comparable to MET in terms of Rembrandt.

4/9/2012

Amazing museum!  
Located in a beautiful historic mansion on central park.
Saw the Renoir exhibit, but got reeled into the sketch class.  Lost myself with a pencil and paper and drawing with some helpful tips given.
Military discount a plus as my admission was free!
Loved it.

6/19/2012

I can easily spend a whole day at this museum
They had a free for all drawing event so I i sketched in the garden which was fun
The video is awesome - do not miss it
Go to the rooms according to the numbers on the guide - i always spot those tourists going from room to room as they are scared they wont be able to finish the museum and they are done in like half house LOL

6/25/2011

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  Date Rating: 8
  Pick up Scale: 3

  Strong Suggestion: Plan to have an elegant day :-)

                     Enjoy the park. Enjoy the collection...
  (knowing you can see the whole thing without being in a rush)
                     And...enjoy not being overwhelmed!

7/18/2011

The Frick Museum is one of the most beautiful museums I've ever been to and it's still small enough to see everything in a short visit. The museum is actually the former home to Henry Clay Frick who had the gorgeous home built in 1914. He was a passionate art collector and knew he would have his home turned into a museum when he died. The home officially opened to the public in 1935 (Henry Frick died in 1919) after an addition to the house added a couple new gallery rooms and a beautiful indoor garden court (complete with plenty of seating and a fountain) where the driveway had been. The rooms are preserved as they were when Frick lived there so you don't get the same museum feel as you would anywhere else. The artwork includes some of the best in the world (paintings I've personally seen in art history books during college) from painters like Vermeer (there are 3), Rembrandt (including his famous self portrait), Goya, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Gainsborough just to name a few. There's also a great collection of furniture and sculptures as well.

There are few negatives to this place though. Photography is not allowed anywhere, you can't walk around the grounds, the second floor is off limits, the admission is $18 (unless you go between 11am-1pm on Sundays when it's suggested), and because this isn't a traditional museum there aren't plaques by the artwork telling you anything about the work. As long as you're not deaf or a germaphobe you can take one of the free audio tour devices and many of the art pieces have numbers next to them which correspond to an audio description of the piece.

Overall If you love the old masters or history at all then you need to check this place out, it's well worth the trip.

9/27/2013

The collection was definitely worth checking out.  Even for someone like me who doesn't know a lot of art, there were paintings I recognized.  The house itself it worth seeing if you appreciate old architecture and details you just don't see in houses anymore.  Don't forget to pick up you audio tour included with your ticket.  I could have spent about three hours here if I had the time.

1/30/2012

Thank you, Henry Clay Frick, for letting us see your gorgeous mansion, thoughtfully selected furniture, and beautiful art.  This place is simply beautiful.  It takes you back to 20th century New York City!  

The museum location is great, right across from Central Park on 5th Ave.  There is a special time on Sunday (google to verify) that is "pay as you wish."  I went here with the bf and my mom on their first time meeting ... definitely a great way to spend the day with the two of them!

1/5/2011

The Frick was a breath of fresh air on my dreary day today.  Love the collection, the atmosphere, and the physical building.  I am a huge museum buff, and highly recommend the Frick for anyone wanting a lovely museum experience.

The collection is small relative to many others in NYC, so this also may be perfect if you only have an hour or 2  you want to dedicate to museum-ing.

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  Outside the Frick

  Outside the Frick
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  Garden Court at the Frick

  Garden Court at the Frick

2/8/2010

One of my favorite hang-outs in NYC, if you're in the mood to escape the crass commercialism and attitude of the Upper East Side and the chi-chi boutiques then come to the Frick for a breather and a meditative moment.
This is exactly the sort of place you would meet a lover before heading to a hotel for an afternoon rendez-vous, the fountain room is especially sublime and roaming the rooms, one feels like a guest in a country estate rather in a downtown mansion in one of the most frantic cities in the world.  A dignified and quiet gem.

1/8/2012

Small but densely packed with some of art's greatest triumphs, as far as the classical tradition goes. This is the sort of museum where you linger for long spells in a single room. Added bonus of a great setting in the home of the collection's dearly departed owner.

For the record, I see that one Yelper derided the "cheap, plastic plants" in the garden/atrium, but I'm fairly certain they're all real. There's dirt, a skylight, the audio program discusses the planting process and I specifically asked a guard, who said there are zero artificial plants.

As others have noted, definitely not good for kids - most works, including delicate furniture, are not behind ropes, so bringing youngsters might be a major-league gamble.