Frick Collection

1/1/2009

We went to the Frick last Sunday when it was a "pay what you want" day. Good thing.... I only had four dollars in my pocket. I put down two, was handed a ticket and walked in. I used the other two dollars for a brochure (more of a catalog) that had a map and brief description. It was a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon, and unexpectedly, not too crowded. Masterful art works by the Masters, in an awesome building. One tip - get the audio program (no charge) so you can the background on the pieces you are looking at.

5/16/2007

...where else can you see a Vermeer in a beautiful 'home'?

Pass through these doors into another era . I feel like I'm visiting a mysterious friend...a very eccentric one, with an amazing collection of masters hung throughout his mansion.

1/29/2007

Ok so you've visited all the major museums in nyc- and you're tired of the expansive journeys meandering through hallways upon hallways of art- for a more intimate and smaller venue- try the Frick Mansion- and view their seminal collection.  The impressive open lawn - exemplifies- the opulence of its owner- nobody puts such plot of land 'unused' in this area ;-)  I would love to come back here when one of their concert series are in play- perhaps listen to such luminaries like the Tokyo Quartet or even Kronos too...

PS- Great Rococco Collection from Fragonard and Boucher

9/11/2007

Amazing collection, very fun little cell phone looking thing you
get at the entrance that explains any piece you would like to learn
about inside (the numbered ones).

The house is bursting with a collection you would recognize from
art history books - beautiful and accessible. The home is filled with
a sense of charm and wealth that feels like you are walking around
a movie set.

Great way to spend a couple of hours - and even if the cell phone
thing looks dorky, it's totally worth it!! $15 entrance fee

3/19/2011

Although small, and way overpriced at $18, the frick is a 5 star musuem. room after room of beautiful paintings, ornate furnishings, and beautiful sculptures. Also, everything looks so natrual, as it is displayed in the origonal setting of the house. Very diffrent type of museum from the met of MOMA, but wonderful in it's own way. I would reccomend coming on sundays between 11 and 1 so to avoid th rediculous $18 admission. To put that into scale, the met suggests $20 and is probaly 10 times the size.

9/6/2008

This is my favorite museum in the city. I absolutely love touring old houses and seeing the furniture and room layout and this one is just so so gorgeous, especially that inner courtyard. The collection of paintings is fantastic, the majority of my favorite artists are there. I especially love Hans Holbein's portrait of Sir Thomas More. I love the old smell of the place. It's just a very peaceful museum and I can go back again and again and not be bored. The gift store is also really nice - lots of neat books and stationary. All the downstairs temp. exhibits have been really well done as well. Gorgeous!

5/28/2007

This was a nice collection of artwork.  It's in a beautiful mansion that I totally wish I lived in.  Just walking around the building is amazing.  I loved the pieces and even bough a few postcards in the giftshop.  Because of its size, you can enjoy the experience and not feel like you have to rush through the place to see every available painting and sculpture.  I spent a leisurely one or two hours here and felt very happy and relaxed afterwards.  Oh, the courtyard/atrium thing in the center of the house is amazing.  I just wish I could go upstairs.  Ohx2, they also offer free audio guides, which is disco.

3/4/2008

A beautiful place to hold a wedding!  I had never been here before so I wasn't sure what to expect.  To this day, I'm not even sure if I was blown away by the museum's beauty or by the beautiful wedding decorations that must've cost an arm and a leg.  Needless to say, I did my wandering around the halls during the cocktail hour and saw some great pieces.  The image that has stayed with me, though, is how the center of the museum was transformed for the reception and how gorgeous everything was.  Thanks Alex and Heather!

10/9/2008

The Frick Collection is pretty great.  And when I say that, I don't actually mean the collection is pretty great, I mean the building is pretty great.  The collection itself is just pretty ok.  But the best part about the museum is just being in the building and absorbing the decor and furniture and pretending like you are going to kick everyone out at the end of the day and go upstairs and go to bed.  Four stars for the building, three for the collection.  I rounded down because I'm annoying.

2/9/2009

one of my fave museums in the world! the facility itself is a piece of art! definitely worth a visit; less people and crowds

3/5/2009

Lovely!!

3/4/2008

Simply beautiful.  A gorgeous home filled with stunning art.  Mostly oils - 17th century Dutch (Vermeer, van Eyck), a lot of Gainsborough portraits.  Just taking in the architecture of the building and admiring the furnishings could take you hours.  Albeit small in comparison to the Met or MOMA, you could easily spend hour and hours here.  It's the kind of place you want to stop into each time you're in Manhattan.  If I lived in NY I would avail myself to the solarium on cold days.

4/8/2008

I was a little hesitant to pay a visit to the Frick as I hadn't really heard much about it and--up until that point--thought no museum could surpass awesomeness of the Met.  However, I had to go as part of a class project and, as it turns out, I am VERY glad I did.  It's much more intimate than the Met or the MoMA but I think that just adds to its charm.  It's hard to believe that this used to be someone's house, everything is just THAT pretty. The furniture and decor is simply breathtaking as well as the paintings that adorn the walls.  I could easily spend a quiet afternoon there just taking everything in.  The Frick Collection is easily my favorite museum. (Also, it's a lot cheaper--$5 with student ID!)

6/19/2006

This old robber baron managed to buy off some of the greatest art in Europe and you can see it all it one place.  About 60% of the paintings will be instantly familiar to anyone with an art history book including Romney's coy portrait of Lad Hamilton; the three Vermeer's; and the
Rembrandt attribution known as the Polish Rider.   He had exquisite taste -- there is virtually no mediocrity!  Objets d'art are almost as wonderful as the paintings.  They also has good special exhibits in the basement and the mansion itself is gorgeous.  No children rule is sensible given display of priceless china in the middle of rooms.

8/2/2008

Much more European  than Europe! I've been to almost 20museums in Europe

3/12/2007

Ah yes the Art Nazis of New York's art museums. You may hate them for being a prick, but I feel sorry for those security guards. The restrooms are off limits thanks to the art Nazis. When I was in the restroom in the lowerlevel floor, a security guard was stationed inside the restroom. Kinda makes you feel like you're a prisoner about to escape.

The art Nazis are in full force at the Frick. The building is friggin huge, encompassing three different streets. It use to be Frick's mansion back in the days when he was still kicking. The atmosphere and artwork in this museum are as old as the Old Masters themselves. I can't believe how great a collection Frick had 100 years ago. There are like countless pairs of antique Chinese vases everywhere along with countless antiques. I enjoy seeing the Gainsboroughs, and other artwork from Frick's collection. The guy had a good eye for great art.

7/31/2008

There's a lot of cool art in the Frick, though virtually zero American art and no contemporary art.  It's fun to see it all arranged the way that Mr. Frick wanted it to be arranged, which seems less curatorial and more personal.

4/28/2009

A friend of mine brought me to see the Frick Collection this past week during a Spring visit and it was a great surprise.  The Frick is a perfect alternative to the sometimes overwhelming madness that is often a part of a visit to the big names - The Met, MOMA and Guggenheim, etc.  

It's a small collection, and a relatively small space, but that's what makes it work - there is enough to see, there are great gems to be found and the setting of a former NYC mansion is perfect.  

The free audio tours are a bonus as I always appreciate learning more about the paintings and artists, and put me down as one in favor of the age restrictions.  There's lots of places for school tours and wandering kids but this collection is best seen as they do it at the Frick - quietly, without crowds and surrounded by people who are looking for something special.

7/4/2009

This is a fantastic museum.  Admittedly, the collection is limited (to some pretty spectacular paintings--many of the greats are represented here, Whistler, Bronzino, Van Gogh, Rodin, Monet, and on).  It is worth a visit just for the paintings--but anyone with an interest in interior design/furniture/ceramics/objets d'art should pay a visit.  It is a splendid assemblage.  There is a particularly gorgeous Louis XVI grey marble table with gilt accents, among other things. It is a privilege to see a room like the Fragonard room, constructed entirely to showcase a series of wall panels painted by the artist (even if Fragonard is not your thing).  

The museum also welcomes some great temporary exhibitions from time to time.  The Memling show a few years back was great (though the downstairs rooms in which it was shown were a little cramped).

11/26/2007

Folks, this is an absolute must see in NYC. I heard about this place randomly on a website called coolhunter. This place has an awesome collection of fine art that could rival any European museum. The fact that it's technically a private collection makes it that much more impressive. Sundays from 11-1pm, you're free to decide how much you wish to donate. I spent two hours walking around listening to historical info on each painting and still didn't get to see and hear about everything.  The collection is so vast that I will have to return to finish seeing what I missed. Oh an do check out the fountain, sit by it and enjoy a peaceful afternoon taking in the arts.

6/24/2008

Refined.  That's the word I would use for both the mansion itself and the collection carefully forged by the Frick's curators.  It's a very manageable collection; one can navigate the whole museum in a couple of hours.  The center court also feels like a haven from the city, and sitting in there could easily allow one to spend another few hours inside its doors.

6/13/2008

This is a museum that's hard not to love. Yes it's a little stuffier than the average musuem, yes they are a little snotty because kids aren't allowed.  But most children will be pretty bored here, if they go stir crazy at the met I can only imagine here.  One piece of advice if you can't appreciate renassiance art, just don't bother coming in this place ain't for you.

1/27/2008

Small but interesting museum. I'm not really into art; I didn't recognize any of the names and even though I thought the paintings looked nice, I didn't really care that much about them. I know, I know. I'm a terrible person. I got in with a student discount; I would have been slightly upset if I had to pay full price. Th museum staff was quiet and seem very intent on keeping everyone quiet and organized. They were very into their jobs, rather than talking with other security guards. Also, if you offer to fill out a questionnaire, you get free postcards. I was sold on that.

12/16/2008

What else needs to be said? The Frick is a great, comfortable place to spend a rainy afternoon wandering through the collection put together by one of the most strongly disliked men in American history (that's the rumor). The collection ranges mainly from the 14th century through the early 20th. Probably their most notable pieces are the three Vermeer's. The building itself is so comfortable, I often want to take a nap on the carpet in one of the main galleries. Maybe I'll try it one of these days.

Tip: Sundays between 11am - 1pm is "pay what you wish" for admission, but since half the city already know this, it can be a bit crowded.

12/9/2007

I loved this place.  I went by myself because no one else wanted to go.  A couple things, first of all, I took my coat with me because I wanted the extra pockets to carry my camera.  Since you're not allowed to take off your jacket, I got really hot.  If you come here, drop off your jacket at the coat check.  Then, it's $15 for admission.  Make sure you get the free audio piece so that you get the background of almost all of the art.  It really enhances the entire experience.  The place is not packed at all, even on Saturday, and you truly have a great atmosphere to enjoy the art of people like Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, Vermeer, and many others.

10/1/2007

What a great museum this is.  Hard to believe that someone used to live here.  The rooms are so pulled together and the art is AMAZING.  Some of the best paintings in the world by masters such as: Rembrandt, Turner,  Vermeer, Whistler, Fragonard, Bellini, Boucher's (Four Seasons)....and many many more.  We really enjoyed walking around with our friends, Michael and Colleen. They purchases a membership so we were able to get in for free.  Now this a museum:  full of French Rococo furniture, bronze statues,  enamel plates, wooden paneling, even a pipe organ in the stairwell.   Well worth the visit. We will certainly go back and perhaps even become members ourselves.  Beautiful lawn with fountain (which sadly you can not access) and an indoor atrium with fountains.  A true oasis in the city; no kids under 12.

12/7/2005

Some things in life are just too cool for words.  Unfortunately, words are all I have to offer in a review, so here goes... The Frick Collection creates the rare intimate relationship you can only get when you combine art with a home.  Stroll through the rooms of Henry Clay Frick's impressive lodging and even more impressive private art collection.  The magic behind the doors allows you to feel as if you've truly traveled back several generations.  Enjoy the experience.

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  A personal favorite- don't worry, the picture is taken of a card replica

  A personal favorite- don't worry, the picture is taken of a card replica
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  Samples of art collection

  Samples of art collection

6/8/2007

I absolutely adore this museum. Obviously I haven't visited all the museums in NYC, but I bet few can offer such an amazing experience. Not only is the art first-rate, just the architecture and design will blow you away. I love how they preserved a lot of the residential features, just as when Mr. Frick was living there himself. Make sure to pick up the free audio guide! The commentary's excellent. And the Garden Court is a delight with a fountain that has little frog statues spewing water. Perfect getaway on a cold or rainy day and for out of town visitors. I'll take the Frick over the Met.

4/30/2007

sunday 11am-1pm is pay as you wish.

as i step into the painting gallery, i realize my fashion history teacher uses this collection for her main resource of  lecture slides. i recognize all the 17th and 18th century costume style.

the house reminds me of legend of Honor museum in san francisco, it is already  historical itself.

the rococo style room is amazing, i can 90% sure to tell you, this room  was shown as a slide in art history class, that means this is the very spot represents rococo. cant believe i m physically standing inside the slide. for this very moment--- priceless.

7/26/2010

My favourite NYC museum. The small size makes it more personal and easy to browse, and the building itself is as beautiful as the artwork. Grab the free audio guide, there's information on each room as well as individual pieces of art. There was also a short video screened about Mr. Frick and the history of the building which is definitely worth watching.

11/26/2006

An unbelievably beautiful space for the exhibition of nice works of art, though I personally tend to think the building outshines the artwork, except on the occasions that they actually have good exhibitions (i.e. the recent Goya one).  Once I'm in here, I've always had a rapturous time, but it's getting in that's a bit frustrating.  For one thing, I tend to agree with Erin C. that the awful looks the security guards give you from the minute you enter (I've gone dressed up and down and it doesn't seem to matter) til the minute you exit makes the whole experience extremely unpleasant.  I asked the woman at Information a question about one of the Sunday concerts and she gave me a look like I was an idiot and just told me to read about the concerts on their website (I'd already done this... and I've been attending their concerts for the past 5 years - it was a question about a specific concert that wasn't answered on the website).  

Until a few years ago, concerts at the Frick used to be free.  You could mail in a request for tickets two weeks in advance of the concert, or you could come line up for free tickets an hour or so before the concert began (which was fine because you could always wander the galleries before).  Music at the Frick has always been known for bringing young talent or European talent to New York, and mostly to an older audience incredibly well-versed in classical music.  There are a lot of music critics in the audience, and the Frick showcases a lot of American debuts for premiere European artists.  I don't really mind paying $25, since it's still cheaper than a good ticket to Carnegie and because the listening experience in the Frick concert room is unbeatable, but it hasn't really helped my impression of the Frick as an institution hostile to someone who's not pure gentry.  

In short, I've got an intense love-hate relationship with the Frick.  I go back again and again, gnashing my teeth and loving it all at the same time.

4/11/2007

I walk into the house, and well, its so goddamn relaxing. Everything is pristine, traditional, elegant, and well, I feel like I should be having tea and sitting up straight with a monacle commenting "Yes indeed, the Times parlayed some wonderous news about the Givenchy estate". A classical place where the classics never go out of style.

4/12/2010

I'm more of a fan of modern art, but the Frick collection cannot be missed.  I loved the Fragonard room.

8/29/2006

This place is gorgeous!  Amazing spot to take mom and dad (or maybe just mom).  They have these Sunday concerts in one of the small rooms located off to the side of the atrium.  Only 20 bucks to go see amazing and intimate performances by some of the best classical acts around.  If I were staying in town, I would buy myself a membership to this place.

9/19/2007

This was a beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. After a walk through Central Park I paid a visit to the Frick Mansion which houses an amazing collection of art. Sundays from 11-1 are "pay what you wish." I paid $5 which was well worth a walk thru this wonderful place complete with free audio guide. Five Stars!

5/30/2006

Now this place is worth paying any amount of money to get into! A fine permanent collection melds beautifully with a gorgeous estate on the edge of Central park...definitely worth spending time here and coming back over and over again! Definitely comparable to the Met, but on a much more manageable scale.

8/11/2008

The Frick is gorgeous!  I love it when people leave their homes for others to enjoy.  Only $5 for students, it's definitely worth a visit. I just wish they would let us take pictures!

7/20/2007

One of my favorite collections in the world. They've got 2 VerMeers. How bout them apples?!

9/13/2007

The Frick Collection isn't exactly a museum. It's primarily the mansion of former steel magnate Henry Frick which makes public his formerly private collection of European paintings and decorative art. What's amazing about this house-turned-museum is that you actually feel like you're a guest in one of the most influential families of modern American history. Although the mansion in size is a small fraction compared to the other main art attractions of the city, you can still spend well over two efficient and pleasurable hours pacing around. You will not be hurried by crowds, and you have the luxury of studying pieces without hordes of tourists or other patrons over your shoulder. Besides the wall pieces, the mansion exhibits high-quality furnitures, porcelain, and other ornaments. The pieces at the Frick Collection, although ancient and perhaps not as exciting as contemporary pieces, feel more personable as they are presented to us in this intimate setting.

6/27/2006

if you plan on sitting down in the fountain courtyard, don't sit down on a step or the nazi security will get you.

great fine art, i remember most of them in my art history classes.  very inspiring.  student rates available.  get your dose of vermeer, rembrandt, renoir, monet, and goya (he has/d a solo exhibit there when i went).

located right on the east side of central park.  if you're an art junkie, dont leave NY without going here first.